There is much talk these days about the Canadian dollar. First was its rapid rise in value versus the U.S. dollar. Lately it has been fluctuating quite significantly in value.

Canada's dollar depreciated to the lowest level in almost three weeks as the head of the nation's central bank reiterated concern the currency has grown too strong and crude oil and stocks tumbled.

The Canadian dollar’s stunning rise may be causing some teeth-gnashing in Ottawa and sowing fear among manufacturers, but for some investors, it’s a gift from the currency gods.

After months of seesawing from good to bad news, Canada seems to have finally pulled away from the global recession and put its economic travails where they belong – in the rearview mirror. However, the good news could be short-lived.

Commodities, the Canadian dollar and Toronto Stock Exchange are headed onward and upward despite the world economy appearing to be only halfway through this Great Recession.

Canada’s second-half growth is slightly stronger than had been expected, reflecting in part a rebound in auto production and pent-up demand for housing, the Bank of Canada said upon releasing its latest Monetary Policy Report.

According to National Bank’s Senior Economist, Marc Pinsonneault, the Canadian and U.S. housing markets couldn’t be more different.

The United States has no immediate plans to reopen NAFTA but remains interested in side deals related to labour and the environment, America’s new ambassador to Canada affirmed Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy hosted the Solar Decathlon – a 3-week competition that challenges students from around the world to design and build the most efficient solar-powered house. Two Canadian teams, Team North and SolAbode, participated and finished in 4th and 6th place, respectively.
Listen to the Connect2Canada podcast about the Solar Decathlon, featuring members from both Canadian teams.

This year’s meeting of the North American Forum focused on the need for Canada, Mexico and the United States to work together in responding to the global economic crisis and promoting a quick return to strong and sustainable growth.

A Canadian apparel company looking to sell its products in the U.S. asks about American labelling requirements, duties and permits. A trade commissioner in Chicago and a key partner organization work together to respond.

Debate is heating up about whether the Bank of Canada should or will intervene in currency markets to lower the Canadian dollar.

The state of Louisiana and Canada continued their profitable trading relationship in 2008. Louisiana’s exports to Canada rose by $390 million, while the state’s imports increased by over 43% from the previous year. Total bilateral trade expanded by over $900 million.