Canadian workers, farmers, and auto industry celebrated big news this month as BC fresh cherries are gaining market access in South Korea, and North American built electric vehicles are now eligible for the US EV tax credit, thanks to a Team Canada outreach effort south of the border. Minister Ng has been focused on supporting Canada’s businesses, creating opportunities for them to scale-up at home while growing their footprint abroad through international trade. The month of August was filled with exciting announcements and Minister Ng traveled throughout Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Cambodia strengthening trade, and collaborating with partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
- On behalf of Minister Joly, Minister Ng participated in the 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum where she discussed regional stability, sustainable trade, and commercial opportunities with like-minded countries, and underscored Canada’s support for an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its core.
- After months of relentless work alongside industry, workers, and the provinces as one Team Canada Advocacy, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is now law. The legislation recognizes the importance of the Canada-United States integrated supply chain, by giving tax incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles in North America. This is good news for Canadian workers and industries as they continue to lead the transition to electric vehicles. Minister Ng will continue to advocate for the importance of maintaining these integrated supply chains and growing a greener and more prosperous future for North America.
- Just last week, while in Cambridge and Windsor, Minister Ng met with Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, Stellantis, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing representatives, toured their facilities and sat with union leaders to ensure our government continues to provide the Canadian auto sector with the stability and support it needs to thrive. In Toronto, Minister Ng joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to welcome German Chancellor Olaf Sholz and Minister Habeck to Canada and explored greater investments and integration with Irish-Canadian entrepreneurs. In Guelph, Minister Ng discussed exports with local businesses and participated in a roundtable with women entrepreneurs in Kitchener.
- Minister Ng and Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne joined Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo virtually for the first Canada-Mexico-High Level Economic Dialogue . Together, the ministers are doubling down on efforts to ensure the post-pandemic economy creates opportunities for innovation and growth that is ambitious, inclusive, and sustainable.
- In Winnipeg, Minister Ng announced the expansion of the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund so more women entrepreneurs across the country can receive the capital they need to scale up and succeed, sat with Filipina entrepreneurs ahead of her upcoming visit to the Philippines this fall, and met with an Indigenous woman business owner to discuss inclusive trade and sustainable growth opportunities.
- While in Vancouver, Minister Ng visited Global Agriculture Trans-Loading Inc to see our supply chains in action, explored sustainable Indigenous winemaking practices in the Okanagan, and discussed further trade opportunities with business leaders and members of the South Asian Business Association of British Columbia during a roundtable. Minister Ng also reiterate our governments support for the softwood lumber industry amidst unjust US tariffs, and met with Northern Cherries who have gained new market access to South Korea.
- Minister Ng also stopped to visit local community leaders, small businesses and entrepreneurs at the heart of Markham-Thornhill, presented members of the community with Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals to thank them for their significant contributions and welcomed residents for the Markham-Thornhill Community BBQ.
- This week, the Minister announced Canada has taken steps to challenge the unwarranted and unjustified duties imposed by the United States on softwood lumber from Canada under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Our government will continue to stand up for Canadian workers and the forestry industry.
Beyond supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for businesses to scale up and access global markets, our government is working to support Canadians through the pandemic and ensure a strong, sustainable, inclusive recovery.
- Our government continues to denounce Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and work in stride with allies around the world to place further sanctions on Russia, holding them accountable for their egregious war. We continue to assist Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian aggression, send support to the troops on the ground in Ukraine, and ensure that Canada is set up to welcome those who have had to leave their homes.
- We recognize the pandemic’s impact on seniors. Our government announced a Safe Long-Term Care Fund agreement with Alberta to make long-term care homes safer, hire additional staff, and invest in personal protective equipment.
- Keeping Canadians safe is our government’s top priority. With gun violence on the rise, we imposed a ban on handgun importation, which compliments the national freeze on handgun ownership.
- Canadian farmers are key partners in building a healthy environment and a more sustainable agriculture sector in Canada. That is why we announced an investment of up to $8,5 million under the On-Farm Climate Action Fund to help farmers across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador adopt sustainable farming practices.
OUR TEAM:
For assistance at any time, please reach out to the team member below who represents your region. Based on the current email volume, if you reply to this email directly without copying the appropriate regional team member, my response may be significantly delayed.
- Zach Nixon, Senior Special Assistant, Regional Affairs and Stakeholder Relations – [email protected]
- Chelios Vuong, Policy Advisor and Regional Affairs (Ontario) – [email protected]
- Camille Benoit-Blouin, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Quebec) – [email protected]
- Iqbal Sultani – Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (West and North) [email protected]
- Andrew Welsh, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Atlantic) and Policy – [email protected]