GHY Tradelines

(Wired.com)

Call it a Cyber Monday cyber-crackdown.

The United States government has significantly ramped up its efforts to combat counterfeiting and piracy, shutting down dozens of websites linked to the sale or distribution of fake goods, as well as sites that facilitate online file-sharing.

On Monday morning, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and John Morton, director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, announced the seizures of 82 websites. The new crackdown, part of “Operation In Our Sites v. 2.0,” is aimed at websites that sell counterfeit goods like fake scarves and golf gear, as well sites that that facilitate what the government deems to be illegal music piracy, officials said. The announcement appears timed to coincide with Cyber Monday, the start of the holiday online shopping season.

“Intellectual property crimes are not victimless,” Holder said in a statement. “The theft of ideas and the sale of counterfeit goods threaten economic opportunities and financial stability, suppress innovation and destroy jobs.” Read more here.

(Peter Hsiao, et al, Morrison & Foerster LLP via JD Supra)

California’s air pollution rules for consumer products – always a trap for the unwary out-of-state business – just got tougher. On November 18, 2010, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) adopted revisions to its Consumer Products Regulation for 11 categories of products, including general purpose cleaners and degreasers, glass cleaners, oven and grill cleaners, and insect sprays. Three categories of products, grill cleaners, special-purpose lubricants and spot removers used in industrial dry cleaning, are restricted for the first time. The regulations take effect on December 31, 2012 for some products, and on December 31, 2013 for others. Read more here.

(Douglas C. New, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP)

When enacted, section 14 of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) will require each supplier, regardless as to whether the supplier is the manufacturer, the importer, the distributor or the retailer of the consumer product in Canada, to report to the Minister of Health (and to the person, if any, who supplied the product to such supplier) all information in its control regarding any “incident” related to such consumer product within two days of such supplier becoming aware of the incident.

A reportable “incident” will include those situations which have resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in the death or a serious adverse effect on the health of an individual arising from the use of a consumer product, a defect in a consumer product, such as a design flaw, or an incorrect or deficient label or instructions for the safe use of the consumer product.

Accordingly, if you are a supplier of consumer products in Canada, you should be considering exactly who will perform the functions of the CCPSA compliance officer within your organization including being responsible for dealing with the question as to whether a reportable “incident” has, in fact, occurred and for undertaking any statutorily mandated reports to the Minister of Health. Read more here.

(The Province – Damian Inwood)

The spectre of another crippling strike at Port Metro Vancouver is being raised by angry container truckers. They claim that rates negotiated after a bitter, five-week strike in 2005 are being undercut.

“We’re in bargaining right now with 12 different companies,” said Gavin McGarrigle national representative for CAW, the Canadian Auto Workers union. “We’re getting to the point where a strike option is definitely a possibility and we haven’t ruled that out yet.”

About 400 disgruntled truckers drove in a protest convoy that tied up traffic Saturday. Read more here.

(CBC News – The Canadian Press)

The industrial product price index and the raw materials price index rose 0.5% and 1.7% respectively in October. Statistics Canada attributed both increases largely to increases in petroleum and metal product prices.

The agency says the gain in the industrial index was led by higher prices for petroleum and coal products (up 4.5%), primary metal products (1.3%) and, to a lesser extent, chemical products (0.9%). Read more here.

Summary statistics and a link to the data files are on the Statistics Canada website  here.

(Reuters – Louise Egan)

Canada’s current account deficit widened more than expected in the third quarter as exports to the United States fell for the first time in more than a year while imports of goods increased, suggesting an uneven economic recovery.

The country’s eighth consecutive quarterly shortfall in the current account – a measure of transactions in goods, services and investment income – totaled C$17.54 billion ($17.20 billion), compared with a revised second-quarter gap of C$12.98 billion, Statistics Canada said on Monday. Analysts surveyed by Reuters had forecast a C$15 billion deficit. Read more here.

Summary statistics and links to the data files are on the Statistics Canada website  here.

Last week, GHY International associates enjoyed a Chili Cook-Off hosted by the firm’s Social Committee at our Winnipeg head office. The entries covered the range from sweet to hot with all sorts of different ingredients included in the mixes. After an extensive sampling by more than a dozen judges, the winner of the competition — in a completely scientific blind taste test administered by IT professionals no less! — was Donna Fetterly, who, when not making amazing chili, is a Senior Rater in our Winnipeg office.

Eschewing the usual nonsense about “secret family recipes” and such, Donna has generously agreed to share her “Award-winning” recipe with readers, which is as follows:

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

4 Italian sausages (casings removed)

½ onion, chopped

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 clove of garlic, minced

2 ½ cups tomato sauce

1 jar (8 oz.) salsa

4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix

1 can (15 oz.) light red kidney beans

1 can (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans

1 can (19 oz.) “chili style” diced tomatoes

1 can of mushrooms

Instructions:

1)  In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and sausage, then sauté until meat is browned/cooked. Drain grease.

2)  Add the onion, ground black pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix, kidney beans, diced tomatoes and mushrooms. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

(Industry Canada)

The Harper government today [Thursday] introduced the Improving Trade Within Canada Act (ITCA) to implement enhancements to the resolution process for government-to-government disputes under the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).

“Now, more than ever, a stronger, more efficient economic union is critical to securing Canada’s full potential,” said the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). “Since 2006, our government has been removing barriers to internal trade to create jobs across our country and generate growth in our communities.”

The ITCA is consistent with the Government of Canada’s internal trade priorities and AIT amendments made by the federal-provincial-territorial Committee on Internal Trade in October 2009. Non-compliance with AIT obligations could result in financial penalties of up to $5 million for the Government of Canada and the larger provinces. Provincial and territorial ministers are in the process of taking similar steps to ensure that, by April 2011, accountability for compliance with the AIT is fully in effect across the country.

The AIT, a national agreement that commits governments to reducing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, investments and persons within Canada, was signed by Canadian first ministers in 1994.

The government continues to work cooperatively with the provinces and territories to remove barriers to labour mobility, investment and trade by strengthening the AIT. Key improvements made in recent years include full labour mobility of regulated professions, freer trade in agricultural products, more transparent procurement practices and the reduction of transportation barriers.

(PortWorld News)

Members of the Vancouver Container Truckers Association (VCTA) are protesting against new regulations implemented by Port Metro Vancouver.

The port has implemented a new fee which will charge truckers wishing to enter the port $300 annually for their license plate approvals. The Truck Licensing System (TLS) Approved Truck Fee, which goes in accordance to Section 51 of the Canada Marine Act, was approved by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s (VFPA) Board of Directors. The proposed implementation of the fee will start on January 1, 2011, and will be applicable to all TLS Licenses and Permits issued or renewed on February 1, 2011 or later. Read more here.

(Bridges Weekly)

With prices for many agricultural commodities nearing the records set in 2008, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization is warning farmers worldwide that they may need to produce more. Although recent bumper crops have bolstered stocks, prices continue to climb as some exporters institute bans or controls on what they sell abroad. Some of these trends sparked intense debate at the WTO’s Agriculture Committee last week. Read more here.

An updated list of recently published government memorandums, notices, regulations and decisions for the week ending November 26, 2010 is now available on our website here.

(CBSA)

1. This memorandum describes the Canada Border Services Agency’s Penalty Reinvestment Agreement policy.

2. This policy applies primarily to clients who have been issued an administrative monetary penalty, or penalties, assessed under section 109 of the Customs Act, where it can be demonstrated that the penalty was issued as a result of a systematic error in the clients commercial information system.

(Minister of International Trade)

Advisory Board to prepare plan on how Canadian businesses can capitalize on trade agreement

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today [Wednesday] asked Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Advisory Board to prepare a plan on how small and medium-sized enterprises can take advantage of a comprehensive economic partnership between Canada and the European Union. The Minister made the request during his twice-yearly round-table meeting with the Board.

“Our government continues to open new markets for Canadian workers and businesses,” said Minister Van Loan. “I’ve enlisted the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Advisory Board to prepare a plan on how small and medium-sized businesses can tap into the opportunities that freer trade with the European Union would offer.”

Negotiations with the European Union are Canada’s top trade initiative. Canada and the European Union have held five successful rounds of negotiations, making significant progress toward an agreement. The negotiations aim to create real access to the European Union market for Canadian business by eliminating tariffs, improving regulatory cooperation and facilitating travel for business people, as well as addressing other issues. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular will benefit from simpler, more transparent trading rules that will facilitate entry into the EU market.

The Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Advisory Board is expected to present its plan at its next meeting with Minister Van Loan.

The Board is made up of business owners and executives representing various sectors and regions across Canada. The Board was created in 2001 to provide advice to the minister on issues that affect small and medium-sized enterprises and their involvement in international trade.
In the last four years, the government has negotiated new trade agreements with eight countries, is in negotiation with close to 50 others and is now expanding the three first-generation agreements signed before 2006.

For more information, please visit Canada-European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Negotiations,

(Export Development Canada – Peter G. Hall)

International trade has been the punching bag of the global recession. Accustomed for years to leading global growth, trade fell by 11% in 2009 as the global economy shrank 0.6%. A partial revival occurred in the 6-month growth spurt that began last fall, but renewed slowdown has analysts wondering whether this economic episode is a permanent setback for trade and the process of globalization. Is the future of international trade in doubt?

Governments don’t seem to think so. One by one, they have embarked on export-centred growth strategies. The U.S. aims to double exports in five years. British foreign offices are promoting UK goods and services around the globe. A newly-elected government is flogging Japan Inc. Others, equally aware of the limitations of their own domestic economies, also see exports as a solution. […]

Western Europe is not only paying attention to its own trade, but is increasingly playing a role in facilitating regional trade. Canadian exporters are active in the Zone – it accounts for roughly 9% of Canadian merchandise exports, and between 2000 and 2008, they grew by 7.6% annually. Moreover, a substantial share of Canadian foreign direct investment is in Europe. Canadian exporters are increasingly conducting regional business in the zone’s blossoming trade centres.

Read more and/or watch the video here.

(Canada-Asia News)

A new study authored by Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s Senior Editor, Douglas Goold, argues the Government of Canada and Canadian businesses need to wake up and capitalize on the trade potential of India before it’s too late.

Doing Business in India: Success, Failure and the Prospects for Canada provides an in-depth examination of Canadian companies doing business in India, released today by the Canadian International Council, highlights India as a priority market for Canada and offers key recommendations to improve Canada-India policy and business relations. In particular, it explores what they see as the opportunities and challenges, the unique business culture of India, the security issues, and the opportunities for government and business to work together to strengthen trade relations.

Dr. Goold is the Director of the National Conversation on Asia and Senior Editor of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, as well as Senior Fellow with CIC.

(David J. Levine and Raymond Paretzky – McDermott Will & Emery)

The Obama Administration is expected to make international trade policy a higher priority next year, but one of the Administration’s key trade objectives – reforming U.S. export controls – may be derailed by the new Congress.

President Obama is expected to make international trade policy a higher priority next year, partly because the new House Republican majority may be more likely to support some trade initiatives, such as enactment of long-pending Free Trade Agreements. However, one of the Administration’s key trade objectives – reforming U.S. export controls – may actually be derailed by the new Congress. Read more here,

(CTV News – Brent Jang)

Canada’s rail shippers are in a cranky mood as they contemplate higher freight rates and possible service delays as the economy improves.

While bottlenecks eased during the recession, friction remained high between Canada’s two largest railways and the customers who depend on them for affordable and reliable train service. That friction has escalated into a campaign by shippers to press Ottawa for tougher regulations to improve deliveries, including a watchdog that would produce an independent scorecard on service.

Walter Spracklin, an analyst with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., said common complaints from shippers include a shortage of railcars, especially at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., and inconsistent service leading to late deliveries. He noted, however, that a survey of 70 major shippers released Tuesday shows increased positive ratings for Montreal-based Canadian National Railway Co. and harsher criticisms of Calgary-based CP.

Shippers expect freight rates charged by North America’s six largest railways in 2011 to be 4% to 6% higher than this year, according to RBC’s annual survey. Read more here,

(Journal of Commerce Online)

Exports fuel 19.5% gain in October in port authority’s three years

Port Metro Vancouver hit the high point in container traffic in the port authority’s nearly three years of existence in October, with volume growing 19.5% over the same month a year ago. Exports at the Canadian port grew 23.4% over October 2009, offsetting a seasonal slowdown in containerized import volume.

Total laden container volume in October reached 197,652 20-foot equivalents, the most Port Metro Vancouver has recorded since the authority was formed at the start of 2008 from the combination of three separate entities. Read more here.

(Statistics Canada)

Railway cargo traffic rose in September, on the strength of an increase in domestic loadings as well as more traffic received from American railways. The culmination of these activities resulted in total rail traffic rising to 24.3 million metric tonnes in September, up 9.5% from September 2009.

From a domestic perspective, loadings from the rail industry’s core transportation systems, non-intermodal and intermodal, rose 7.0% from September 2009 to 21.8 million metric tonnes.

Non-intermodal loadings, which are typically carried in bulk or loaded in box cars, increased to 19.5 million metric tonnes in September, up 6.8% from the same month in 2009. The commodity groups that registered the largest gains in tonnage were iron ores and concentrates, potash and iron and steel (primary or semi-finished). Read more here.

(CFIA)

This notice is to inform importers and brokers that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be implementing phase 4 of the changes to import notification requirements for products in the non-federally registered food sector effective February 07, 2011.