Latest news with #TheWestBlock
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Canada scrambles to strike a deal as Ontario trade envoy races to stop Trump tariffs before G7 summit
Ontario 's trade representative in Washington, David Paterson, remains optimistic about easing the escalating trade tensions with the United States as Canada braces for the G7 Leaders' Summit in Alberta later this month. Despite President Donald Trump 's recent move to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, Paterson believes a resolution is within reach. 'You have a choice of either engaging and that's what we do in Washington and trying to make progress, or sit back and wait for some kind of perfect deal, and I think that could take a long time,' Paterson said in an interview with Global News' The West Block. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After Losing Weight Kevin James Looks Like A Model 33 Bridges He emphasized the importance of proactive engagement over waiting for ideal conditions. Also read : Canada's economy flexes while everyone freaks about tariffs, so no rate cut for you for now! Live Events Paterson highlighted that discussions with Republican lawmakers have been constructive. 'We've probably talked to 100 Republican senators and members over the last year. I certainly have not had a bad meeting with any of them. They love Canada,' he noted. However, he acknowledged that these lawmakers are currently supporting the president's agenda. Impact of recent tariff hikes The recent tariff hikes have had a profound impact on Canada's economy, particularly in Ontario, where the steel and aluminum industries are significant employers. Catherine Cobden, president of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, warned that the increased tariffs could effectively shut Canada out of the US market, threatening over 120,000 jobs. In response to the US tariffs, Canada has announced plans to impose equivalent tariffs on US goods worth billions. Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the tariffs as a direct attack on Canadian industries and has vowed retaliation. Also read: Quebec takes bold step to break down interprovincial trade barriers Canada remains hopeful Despite these challenges, Paterson remains hopeful. He pointed to the United Kingdom's recent framework trade agreement with the US as an example of what Canada could achieve. 'Suddenly, we find ourselves in a situation where a vehicle from the United Kingdom now has a lower tariff coming into the United States than a Chevrolet made in Ontario. That doesn't make any sense,' he said. Paterson also emphasized the importance of educating the Trump administration on Canada's role as a key trading partner. 'You may hear the president say, 'I don't need your cars, I don't need your natural resources.' The truth is they do, and we know they do, and they know they do,' he asserted. With the G7 Summit approaching, Paterson is optimistic that progress can be made. 'We need to make more progress. We, as the signers of the CUSMA agreement, surely should have the best access to the United States market than everyone,' he concluded.
Global News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Canadian diplomat says West Africa terror threat has grown since his capture
A Canadian diplomat who was held captive by al-Qaida terrorists in the Sahara Desert for 130 days says Canada's promised boost to defence should include commitments to combatting the growing Islamic terrorism threat in Africa — a threat he says isn't getting the attention it deserves. Robert Fowler says it would take 'a very large and serious effort to eradicate' the groups that have taken root in West Africa's Sahel region — particularly Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali — and that U.S. military officials say are fighting to gain access to the western coast, which would increase their ability to attack North America. 'There's nothing we can say that will dissuade those people from doing what they're doing — I certainly learned that in the sand,' he told Mercedes Stephenson in an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block. 'They are deeply, absolutely committed and are evidently prepared to die in that commitment. So it would take a very large and serious effort to eradicate them, because they won't be convinced not to do it.' Story continues below advertisement Fowler, the longest-serving Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and an adviser to three former prime ministers, was captured by militants with the al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist group in December 2008 while serving as a UN special envoy to Niger. He was released along with other Western captives the following April. Since then, the presence of AQIM and other Islamic militant groups in the Sahel region has only grown, carrying out attacks against civilians while claiming wide swaths of territory. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are currently ruled by military juntas who took power through coups in the last two years, with varying degrees of Islamic influence. 4:52 Why jihadist violence is getting worse in West Africa Around 5,000 civilians have been killed in the violence in those three countries in the first five months of this year, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a 25-per cent increase from the previous five months. Story continues below advertisement The loss of the French and American militaries from the region in recent months has further created a power vacuum, experts like Fowler say. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, told reporters last week that the U.S. military's withdrawal from Niger and an important counterterrorism base there last September means it has 'lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely,' as violent attacks in the Sahel continue to rise in both 'frequency and complexity.' He added that U.S. forces are 'standing with' local militaries in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin to prevent those groups from reaching their coasts. 'If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading,' Langley said in a media briefing. 'This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the U.S. shores.' Fowler said Canada also faces this risk, particularly the threat of individual acts of violence in the name of groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. 'I think it is fair to say that Islamic terrorism has not been beaten,' he said. 'Whatever success we had in Iraq, and the non-success we had in Afghanistan, hasn't in any way blunted the jihadi movement, and so we're going to have to be extremely vigilant.' Story continues below advertisement He added that western governments aren't prepared to commit the investments and military capabilities necessary to eliminate those threats in Africa. 'Whatever they should be doing, they won't be doing for all kinds of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with Africa,' he said. 'There are other issues and other concerns, and everybody needs money for those different things, and that doesn't leave much for Africa. 'The French had 5,000 top-line soldiers there for years, and they couldn't do it. It would take much more than that. But no, I don't think we have the will to do it.' 2:38 France pulls ambassador, troops out of Niger in wake of military coup Canada's new Africa Strategy, released in March, commits over $30 million to 'peace and security' projects in the Sahel and other conflict-affected regions like Sudan, but are focused primarily on humanitarian aid and civilian supports. Story continues below advertisement The Canadian Forces ended its peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2023 and has otherwise drastically reduced its presence on the continent. Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to bolstering border security, building on promises under the previous Liberal government to enhance screening of entry points and crack down on illegal crossings and smuggling. Fowler said the African threat should further inspire the Canadian government to spend 'a whole lot more' on defence, which he said has been 'pitiful' for years. Carney has vowed to get Canada's defence spending to NATO's target level of two per cent of GDP by 2030, and the Liberal platform promised $30 million in new spending over the next four years. The government spent just over 1.3 per cent last year. 'We don't have to think nice things about President Trump, but that doesn't mean he isn't wrong when he criticizes our defence performance,' Fowler said. 'He is right: we have been getting for years a free ride, particularly in continental defence.' While he wouldn't go so far as to recommend Canada sign on to Trump's 'Golden Dome' space-based missile defence concept, Fowler said it's 'illogical' that Canada is not part of the current U.S. ballistic missile defence initiative and similar programs. 'We very much have to convince the Americans that we are doing our bit, that we are sovereign and are committed to remaining so, because I think Canadians deserve that kind of defence of their territory,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Asked what advice he'd give Carney, Fowler said simply: 'Sign on.'
Global News
3 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Is Canada-U.S. trade ‘progress' possible in 2 weeks? Ontario rep says ‘yes'
Provincial and federal negotiators are making progress with the Trump administration on lowering U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on Canada, Ontario's trade representative in Washington says, suggesting a deal could be close at hand. David Paterson said he's hopeful that further progress in reducing those tariffs can be made by the time Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney are face-to-face at the G7 Leader's Summit in Alberta in two weeks. Asked by Mercedes Stephenson during an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block if he's getting the sense from Republican lawmakers that the White House is open to such a quick timeline, Paterson said, 'Yes.' 'You have a choice of either engaging — and that's what we do in Washington — and trying to make progress, or sit back and wait for some kind of perfect deal, and I think that could take a long time,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'We are now in a world where the formal trade agreements that we like to count on as being enforceable is now turning much more into a world where countries have to protect themselves.' Trade negotiations have continued despite a whiplash week that saw a U.S. court briefly block the emergency orders used to justify many of Trump's tariffs on Canada and most of America's trading partners. 2:00 U.S. appeals court spares Trump's tariffs — for now After a U.S. appeals court stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade's ruling as it reviews the Trump administration's challenge, Paterson said the world remains 'in much of the same position.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The ruling did not affect tariffs on the steel, aluminum and auto sectors that have hit Ontario particularly hard. 'Many people have hoped that we would see the courts intervene on tariffs, many have hoped that the Congress would step up, but hope is not a strategy,' Paterson said. Story continues below advertisement 'You need to keep on focusing on the things that are impacting your economy.' Paterson says the bilateral talks with the U.S. on lowering tariffs can be separate from the broader renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on free trade (CUSMA) set to begin next year. In the short term, however, he says Canada needs to secure its position as a key trading partner as other nations jockey for their own deals. 'Right now there's one game that is available for people, and you have Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Vietnam — all these are in Washington trying to do bilateral deals to improve their trade situation,' he said. The United Kingdom has already secured a framework trade agreement with the U.S. that Paterson says serves as both an example of what Canada could achieve for itself and an incentive to get a deal done that ensures its 'relative competitive advantage.' 'Suddenly we find ourselves in a situation where a vehicle from the United Kingdom now has a lower tariff coming into the United States than a Chevrolet made in Ontario. That doesn't make any sense,' he said. 'That's one of the discussion points that we have. 'We need to make more progress. We, as the signers of the CUSMA agreement, surely should have the best access to the United States market than everyone.' Story continues below advertisement 1:49 Carney meets with U.S. delegation in Ottawa Paterson said part of the mission he and others have undertaken is to educate the Trump administration on the important role Canada plays as one of the largest trading partners for the U.S. A majority of U.S. states do more trade with Canada than any other nation. 'You may hear the president say, 'I don't need your cars, I don't need your natural resources.' The truth is they do, and we know they do and they know they do,' Paterson said. 'So that makes for a really good set-up for us in terms of being able to make progress.' While Trump has continued with that dismissive rhetoric, Paterson said talks have gone very well with Republican lawmakers he hopes can make the case to the president and the administration. 'We've probably talked to 100 Republican senators and members (of the U.S. House of Representatives) over the last year — I certainly have not had a bad meeting with any of them. They love Canada,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'But they are giving the president, who won the election, the time to be able to take forward this agenda that he's doing. They're not pushing back on that in any meaningful way.' Paterson pointed to last week's trip to Ottawa by a delegation of U.S. senators, led by Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, as the most recent public example of American officials recognizing Canada's importance. 'A big thing that they understand and that we remind them is, 'We're your biggest supplier and we're your biggest customer. So put us first in line and in your own self-interest, let's get these tariffs down and start getting some certainty into the economy,' he said. 'That is a message that I think is really resonating in Congress and is really resonating increasingly even with people in the White House.'
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Carney stands ground as Trump tariffs on Canada may stay despite warmer ties
A chilly welcome warms, but tariffs still loom After months of economic strain and political tension, Canada and the United States may be turning a new page — but not without caveats. Despite a high-profile visit to Washington by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, the US ambassador to Canada says American tariffs on Canadian exports may remain in place under any future trade agreement. #Operation Sindoor India responds to Pak's ceasefire violation; All that happened India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: Who said what Punjab's hopes for normalcy dimmed by fresh violations Pete Hoekstra, who represents President Donald Trump's administration in Ottawa, acknowledged that while the bilateral tone has improved, Canadians should temper expectations about a full removal of tariffs that have rattled key sectors like steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber. Also read: US inflation starting to stir as Trump tariff threat looms by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo 'I'm not sure they'll be totally removed,' Hoekstra told The West Block on Sunday, May 11 pointing to the US-UK trade model that retained a 10 per cent tariff baseline. 'There's some tough issues to negotiate and to talk about.' Canadian economy faces continued pressure Since taking office, Trump has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, including energy exports (taxed at 10 per cent), citing issues like the opioid crisis and border security. Canada's auto, steel, and aluminum industries continue to bear the brunt of the tariffs, with potential exemptions only available under CUSMA, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Live Events While fentanyl is often cited as a key justification — despite data from US Customs and Border Protection showing less than one per cent of fentanyl seized at the US border comes from Canada — the trade measures have cast a long shadow over Canada-US relations. Analysts warn that the prolonged economic strain could push Canada closer to a recession. The White House has also floated a baseline 12 per cent tariff rate for Canadian exports if fentanyl-related tariffs are eventually removed. Despite these concerns, Hoekstra remained optimistic about the potential for a reworked CUSMA, which is up for renegotiation next year. 'Both leaders want to get this behind us,' he said. 'Focus on creating a framework that will build and bring prosperity to both countries.' Also read: Trump's UK deal tests Canada's trade future Sovereignty, security, and the Arctic take center stage Beyond trade, Arctic security and defence spending emerged as pivotal issues during Carney's White House visit. The ambassador confirmed both Trump and Carney discussed strengthening their national security alliance, particularly around vulnerabilities in the Arctic. 'You're not a threat to America, but is it potentially a vulnerability?' Hoekstra said, highlighting the administration's focus on securing northern borders. He emphasized the need for a coordinated plan on Arctic defence, a goal Carney echoed by pledging to meet NATO's 2 per cent defence spending target by 2030 — up from 1.4 per cent last year. Trump, however, has pushed for an even higher benchmark of 5 per cent of GDP, a level no NATO member has yet achieved. In a more symbolic exchange, Trump reignited his controversial '51st state' rhetoric during his meeting with Carney. The Canadian leader firmly dismissed the idea, stating Canada is 'not for sale.' Hoekstra later said the sovereignty question had been put to rest: 'We have moved beyond the 51st state, at least as far as I'm concerned.' Hope for progress, but real issues persist Though Carney's visit was marked by warm gestures and mutual respect, Hoekstra made clear that real policy differences remain. Trade tensions, fentanyl cooperation, and military commitments all loom large, with high stakes for Canada's economy and sovereignty. Also read: Trump's Trade War: How tariffs are shaping global trade Still, the ambassador expressed hope: 'I think the president wants a very positive relationship.'
Calgary Herald
11-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
US ambassador says Canada tariffs may not be ‘totally removed'
Peter Hoekstra. Al Drago/Bloomberg Some U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports may remain in place even as the relationship between the two countries improves, Peter Hoekstra, the US ambassador to Canada, said. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'I'm not sure they'll be totally removed,' Hoekstra said in an interview on Global TV's The West Block Sunday when asked about the 25 per cent tariff U.S. President Donald Trump placed on most Canadian goods in March, citing concerns about fentanyl entering the U.S. While less than one per cent of the fentanyl seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection comes via the U.S.-Canada border, according to CBP data, there is some evidence of fentanyl production in the country. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again Hoekstra's remarks come on the heels of a new trade agreement between the U.S. and U.K., which gave the U.K. limited relief on autos, steel and aluminum duties. The deal maintained a 10 per cent baseline tariff on U.K. imports. Hoekstra said Canada and the U.S. can move past the tensions of recent months, during which Trump repeatedly called for Canada to become the 51st state and mocked former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him 'Governor Trudeau.' Trump struck a more respectful tone with newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney during their White House meeting last week. 'I think the president wants a very positive relationship,' said Hoekstra, who was confirmed as U.S. envoy to Canada last month. 'We have moved beyond the 51st state, at least as far as I'm concerned.'
