News & Information about Transborder and International Trade from GHY International
An updated list of recently published government memorandums, notices, regulations and decisions for the week ending October 7, 2011 is now available on our website here.
Date: October 7, 2011
(Reuters – Louise Egan & Randall Palmer)
Growth in purchasing activity in Canada slowed modestly in September but remained positive, adding to evidence that the economy is still expanding after shrinking in the second quarter.
The Ivey Purchasing Managers Index slipped to 55.7 in the month on a seasonally adjusted basis from 56.4 in August, a report showed on Thursday. This was still above market expectations of 54.
A reading of 50 indicates that activity remained flat from the preceding month, while a higher reading indicates an increase and a lower reading reflects a slowing or decrease.
The unadjusted Ivey index was 63.4 in September. Read more here.
Date: October 7, 2011
(Industry Canada)
On Thursday, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, reintroduced the Improving Trade Within Canada Act (ITCA), designed to implement enhancements to the resolution process for government-to-government disputes under the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).
“Strengthening Canada’s economic union is a priority for the Government since it is essential to achieving our full national potential,” said Minister Paradis. “Through this legislation, we will ensure accountability for compliance with the Agreement on Internal Trade.”
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 and the larger provinces. Provincial and territorial ministers are in the process of taking similar steps to ensure accountability for compliance across the country.
“Canadians have given our government a strong mandate to stay focused on what matters: creating jobs and economic growth,” said Minister Paradis. “By removing barriers to internal trade and promoting a strong domestic market, we are living up to that commitment.”
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.
Date: October 7, 2011
(Winnipeg Free Press)
The federal government’s new perimeter security deal with the United States will create jobs and stimulate growth in both countries, says a leading business voice and one-time Liberal cabinet minister.
Former foreign minister John Manley, head of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, says the estimated $1-billion cost of the pact will be money well spent that pays dividends over time.
“Some of that expenditure is going to have to be made to make things work. But to the extent that you facilitate the supply chain across the Canada-U.S. border, you’re going to create jobs on both sides,” Manley said Thursday in an interview.
“It’s one of those areas where you can say actually there’s going to be payback over time. The fact that the number is that big probably suggests that some of this is long overdue.”
The deal, as described to The Canadian Press by several sources, includes significant spending on border-post infrastructure and information-sharing programs to bring Canada more closely in line with the U.S. Read more here.
Date: October 7, 2011
(CFIA)
The Import Control Division will be closed for the Monday 10 October 2011 Thanksgiving weekend Holiday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM (ET). If you require assistance please contact the National Import Service Centre located in Toronto (ON) or Montreal (QC).
National Import Service Centre (NISC) -
Toronto: 1-800-835-4486, 905-795-7834 – FAX: 905-795-9658
National Import Service Centre Satellite Office (NSO) -
Montreal: 1-877-493-0468, 514-493-2468 – FAX : 514-493-4103
Please note: Ottawa Meat Import Control Centre (1-877-682-5191) will be opened Monday 10th October 2011 from the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.
Date: October 7, 2011
(Journal of Commerce Online – R.G.Edmonson)
Study looks at whether HMT revenue is lost due to diversion of U.S. imports to Canadian ports
The Canadian government said it will “vigorously defend” its trade policies and infrastructure investments against any of the findings of a Federal Maritime Commission study looking into the diversions of U.S. imports to Canadian ports.
Gerald Keddy, parliamentary secretary to Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, said on Wednesday the Canadian government has invested in its port infrastructure as part of “an ambitious pro-trade, low-tax plan that is creating jobs and economic growth.” The FMC earlier approved an inquiry into whether the U.S. is losing Harbor Maintenance Tax revenue from American imports, particularly from those diverted through the Port of Prince Rupert, B.C. Read more here.
Date: October 7, 2011
