Scotty

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7936557

Canada can protect rules-based international trade and resist pressure from superpowers by working more with the Americas, shoring up supply chains and strengthening economic ties, Costa Rica’s trade minister said on a recent visit to Ottawa.

“We share the same vision of the type of world that we would like to live in,” Manuel Tovar Rivera said in an interview with The Canadian Press. “Canada has enormous opportunities in our hemisphere.”

Costa Rica is on track to become the first Central American state to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, a trading bloc of 12 countries across the Pacific Rim, North and South America that will soon include the U.K.

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Costa Rica, a country of just five million roughly the size of Nova Scotia, is an important partner for Ottawa on initiatives like feminist approaches to economic growth and promoting anticorruption practices.

In 2021, with Canada’s support, Costa Rica became the first Central American country to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, a group of 38 rich democracies. The country is powered almost entirely by renewables and hydroelectricity.

Costa Rica’s move to join the CPTPP bloc might expand trade with Canada in services, investment and government procurement, which were not part of the bilateral agreement both countries signed in 2002.

That could mean more Canadian exports of wheat and sugar to Costa Rica, according to an industry consultation led by Ottawa. It could also lead to a boost in Canadian tourism.

But joining the bloc is also about trying to uphold global rules-based systems, Tovar Rivera said.

...

The Canadian Council for the Americas made the same point last November in a report that urged Ottawa to seize on the economic and diplomatic potential of South and Central America, largely by using existing relationships and trade deals.

The report said that requires a shift beyond thinking of Latin America as a group of commodity markets, and demands instead a focus on building processing capacity for agricultural goods, selling Canadian expertise in cybersecurity and beefing up policing at Canadian ports used to traffic narcotics.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7936557

Canada can protect rules-based international trade and resist pressure from superpowers by working more with the Americas, shoring up supply chains and strengthening economic ties, Costa Rica’s trade minister said on a recent visit to Ottawa.

“We share the same vision of the type of world that we would like to live in,” Manuel Tovar Rivera said in an interview with The Canadian Press. “Canada has enormous opportunities in our hemisphere.”

Costa Rica is on track to become the first Central American state to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, a trading bloc of 12 countries across the Pacific Rim, North and South America that will soon include the U.K.

...

Costa Rica, a country of just five million roughly the size of Nova Scotia, is an important partner for Ottawa on initiatives like feminist approaches to economic growth and promoting anticorruption practices.

In 2021, with Canada’s support, Costa Rica became the first Central American country to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, a group of 38 rich democracies. The country is powered almost entirely by renewables and hydroelectricity.

Costa Rica’s move to join the CPTPP bloc might expand trade with Canada in services, investment and government procurement, which were not part of the bilateral agreement both countries signed in 2002.

That could mean more Canadian exports of wheat and sugar to Costa Rica, according to an industry consultation led by Ottawa. It could also lead to a boost in Canadian tourism.

But joining the bloc is also about trying to uphold global rules-based systems, Tovar Rivera said.

...

The Canadian Council for the Americas made the same point last November in a report that urged Ottawa to seize on the economic and diplomatic potential of South and Central America, largely by using existing relationships and trade deals.

The report said that requires a shift beyond thinking of Latin America as a group of commodity markets, and demands instead a focus on building processing capacity for agricultural goods, selling Canadian expertise in cybersecurity and beefing up policing at Canadian ports used to traffic narcotics.

...

Canada can protect rules-based international trade and resist pressure from superpowers by working more with the Americas, shoring up supply chains and strengthening economic ties, Costa Rica’s trade minister said on a recent visit to Ottawa.

“We share the same vision of the type of world that we would like to live in,” Manuel Tovar Rivera said in an interview with The Canadian Press. “Canada has enormous opportunities in our hemisphere.”

Costa Rica is on track to become the first Central American state to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, a trading bloc of 12 countries across the Pacific Rim, North and South America that will soon include the U.K.

...

Costa Rica, a country of just five million roughly the size of Nova Scotia, is an important partner for Ottawa on initiatives like feminist approaches to economic growth and promoting anticorruption practices.

In 2021, with Canada’s support, Costa Rica became the first Central American country to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, a group of 38 rich democracies. The country is powered almost entirely by renewables and hydroelectricity.

Costa Rica’s move to join the CPTPP bloc might expand trade with Canada in services, investment and government procurement, which were not part of the bilateral agreement both countries signed in 2002.

That could mean more Canadian exports of wheat and sugar to Costa Rica, according to an industry consultation led by Ottawa. It could also lead to a boost in Canadian tourism.

But joining the bloc is also about trying to uphold global rules-based systems, Tovar Rivera said.

...

The Canadian Council for the Americas made the same point last November in a report that urged Ottawa to seize on the economic and diplomatic potential of South and Central America, largely by using existing relationships and trade deals.

The report said that requires a shift beyond thinking of Latin America as a group of commodity markets, and demands instead a focus on building processing capacity for agricultural goods, selling Canadian expertise in cybersecurity and beefing up policing at Canadian ports used to traffic narcotics.

...

Canada is trying to clamp down on the number of temporary residents living in the country. As part of that effort, the government has slashed the number of study permits it issues each year.

But there’s a catch, according to Auditor General Karen Hogan. The government lacks the controls to verify whether foreign students are complying with their visa terms — and it isn’t even sure whether students are leaving Canada after their permits expire, according to her latest report.

Hogan found that while about 150,000 students were flagged in 2023 and 2024 for potential non-compliance, immigration officials only had the resources to investigate about 4,000 cases. Of those cases, 41% couldn’t be closed because students didn’t respond to the department’s inquiries.

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Hogan highlighted some of the risks the government still faces, even as it shrinks the international student program.

Her office discovered that the government has failed to take action in cases where applicants used fraudulent documents or misrepresented information to get their permits. The majority of those students then went on to apply for other immigration permits — often with no note left in their files to alert public servants to their history of giving bad information.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7935698

Archived link

Hong Kong Watch’s Advocacy Officer Landson Chan testified before the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR) at a hearing titled “Global Impact of Transnational Repression”. This follows Hong Kong Watch’s ongoing advocacy with Canadian parliamentarians on transnational repression targeting the Hong Kong diaspora.

Mr Chan opened his testimony by stating that Hong Kong Watch has documented cases revealing how transnational repression is affecting the Hong Kong diaspora in Canada, including harassment, intimidation, and surveillance. He then detailed select cases, including individuals receiving anonymous threats linked to pro-democracy activities, doxxing of personal and workplace information, and intimidation involving family members. Community leaders and organizers have been targeted with surveillance and threats of physical harm, while even non-activists have faced workplace harassment simply for attending community events.

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Notably, Joe Tay was targeted during Canada’s 2025 election with online “wanted-style” campaigns and safety threats, while Anna Kwok’s case highlights how repression extends to family members, with her father prosecuted and sentenced in Hong Kong after attempting to cancel her insurance policy following her departure. ...

Despite Canada’s robust legislative response to foreign interference in 2024, including by passing Bill C-70 into law, gaps remain in enforcement and protection, contributing to ongoing concerns about safety, accountability, and foreign interference. Hong Kong Watch urges the Canadian Parliament to adopt a comprehensive approach to transnational repression focused on prevention, protection, and accountability. This includes expediting the foreign influence transparency registry, strengthening protections for high-risk individuals, and implementing diplomatic measures and targeted sanctions against responsible foreign actors.

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You can watch the full hearing here.

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As an addition: If you happen to be in Vancouver on Sunday, April 19, 2026, there is public forum examining foreign interference, Canada–China relations, and the future of Hong Kong.

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7935698

Archived link

Hong Kong Watch’s Advocacy Officer Landson Chan testified before the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR) at a hearing titled “Global Impact of Transnational Repression”. This follows Hong Kong Watch’s ongoing advocacy with Canadian parliamentarians on transnational repression targeting the Hong Kong diaspora.

Mr Chan opened his testimony by stating that Hong Kong Watch has documented cases revealing how transnational repression is affecting the Hong Kong diaspora in Canada, including harassment, intimidation, and surveillance. He then detailed select cases, including individuals receiving anonymous threats linked to pro-democracy activities, doxxing of personal and workplace information, and intimidation involving family members. Community leaders and organizers have been targeted with surveillance and threats of physical harm, while even non-activists have faced workplace harassment simply for attending community events.

...

Notably, Joe Tay was targeted during Canada’s 2025 election with online “wanted-style” campaigns and safety threats, while Anna Kwok’s case highlights how repression extends to family members, with her father prosecuted and sentenced in Hong Kong after attempting to cancel her insurance policy following her departure. ...

Despite Canada’s robust legislative response to foreign interference in 2024, including by passing Bill C-70 into law, gaps remain in enforcement and protection, contributing to ongoing concerns about safety, accountability, and foreign interference. Hong Kong Watch urges the Canadian Parliament to adopt a comprehensive approach to transnational repression focused on prevention, protection, and accountability. This includes expediting the foreign influence transparency registry, strengthening protections for high-risk individuals, and implementing diplomatic measures and targeted sanctions against responsible foreign actors.

...

You can watch the full hearing here.

...

As an addition: If you happen to be in Vancouver on Sunday, April 19, 2026, there is public forum examining foreign interference, Canada–China relations, and the future of Hong Kong.

Archived link

Hong Kong Watch’s Advocacy Officer Landson Chan testified before the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR) at a hearing titled “Global Impact of Transnational Repression”. This follows Hong Kong Watch’s ongoing advocacy with Canadian parliamentarians on transnational repression targeting the Hong Kong diaspora.

Mr Chan opened his testimony by stating that Hong Kong Watch has documented cases revealing how transnational repression is affecting the Hong Kong diaspora in Canada, including harassment, intimidation, and surveillance. He then detailed select cases, including individuals receiving anonymous threats linked to pro-democracy activities, doxxing of personal and workplace information, and intimidation involving family members. Community leaders and organizers have been targeted with surveillance and threats of physical harm, while even non-activists have faced workplace harassment simply for attending community events.

...

Notably, Joe Tay was targeted during Canada’s 2025 election with online “wanted-style” campaigns and safety threats, while Anna Kwok’s case highlights how repression extends to family members, with her father prosecuted and sentenced in Hong Kong after attempting to cancel her insurance policy following her departure. ...

Despite Canada’s robust legislative response to foreign interference in 2024, including by passing Bill C-70 into law, gaps remain in enforcement and protection, contributing to ongoing concerns about safety, accountability, and foreign interference. Hong Kong Watch urges the Canadian Parliament to adopt a comprehensive approach to transnational repression focused on prevention, protection, and accountability. This includes expediting the foreign influence transparency registry, strengthening protections for high-risk individuals, and implementing diplomatic measures and targeted sanctions against responsible foreign actors.

...

You can watch the full hearing here.

...

As an addition: If you happen to be in Vancouver on Sunday, April 19, 2026, there is public forum examining foreign interference, Canada–China relations, and the future of Hong Kong.

Bell Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan move to expand domestic AI compute capacity, signaling a shift toward sovereign infrastructure as demand for AI power accelerates across education, research, and enterprise.

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The project is expected to generate up to $12 billion in economic value for Saskatchewan, including construction, long-term employment, and indirect job creation. Bell estimates at least 800 roles during construction and around 80 permanent positions once operational, with additional community employment projected.

Premier Scott Moe says the investment reflects both economic and research priorities: “The announcement of this facility is great news for Saskatchewan's economy. This investment by Bell will create jobs, strengthen provincial research capacity, and facilitate the creation of new businesses built on advanced capabilities.”

The agreement with the George Gordon First Nation includes provisions for procurement participation and workforce development. Chief Shawn R. Longman says the partnership is structured to deliver long-term outcomes: “On behalf of George Gordon Developments, the business arm of George Gordon First Nation, we are excited to partner with Bell AI Fabric on this major economic project. George Gordon First Nation has a history of working with industry leaders to ensure long-term mutual benefits that lead to measurable community outcomes while respecting our treaty rights, cultural protocols and environmental stewardship.

“George Gordon First Nation will support and collaborate directly with Bell Canada to ensure the success of this project for the members of George Gordon First Nation and the Province of Saskatchewan.”

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7919408

Archived link

Three Quebec soldiers who fought in the war in Ukraine were honoured Saturday during a ceremony in Montreal.

Two of the soldiers never came home.

Jean-Francois Ratelle, from Joliette, was 38 when he died on the front lines in 2024.

Montrealer Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois was 31 when he died in July 2022, a few months after the war began.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, making the conflict now more than four years old.

During the ceremony, their families stood in their place to accept the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal, which honours Canadian citizens who have been killed or wounded while serving with Ukraine’s armed forces.

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Denis Perrier survived the conflict. He was 55 when he made the decision to go to war and said he couldn’t ignore the sense of obligation.

“So I saw that war can destroy family and child kill people,” said Perrier, who was injured while he was on the ground. He spent 10 days in hospital.

It’s not clear how many Quebec soldiers are still fighting in Ukraine.

Michael Shwec, president of the Quebec Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said he was thankful for the volunteers who have put their lives at risk.

“The values of Ukrainians and the values of Quebecers are very, very similar. They value life, they value family, and they are willing to fight for it,” Shwec said.

...

Archived link

Three Quebec soldiers who fought in the war in Ukraine were honoured Saturday during a ceremony in Montreal.

Two of the soldiers never came home.

Jean-Francois Ratelle, from Joliette, was 38 when he died on the front lines in 2024.

Montrealer Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois was 31 when he died in July 2022, a few months after the war began.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, making the conflict now more than four years old.

During the ceremony, their families stood in their place to accept the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal, which honours Canadian citizens who have been killed or wounded while serving with Ukraine’s armed forces.

...

Denis Perrier survived the conflict. He was 55 when he made the decision to go to war and said he couldn’t ignore the sense of obligation.

“So I saw that war can destroy family and child kill people,” said Perrier, who was injured while he was on the ground. He spent 10 days in hospital.

It’s not clear how many Quebec soldiers are still fighting in Ukraine.

Michael Shwec, president of the Quebec Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said he was thankful for the volunteers who have put their lives at risk.

“The values of Ukrainians and the values of Quebecers are very, very similar. They value life, they value family, and they are willing to fight for it,” Shwec said.

...

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What is surprising is the lack of scrutiny around foreign ownership of this country’s natural resources. Who owns and controls Canada’s natural wealth has implications far beyond a balance sheet. It affects who benefits and who bears the risk in an increasingly volatile world.

The share of foreign-controlled assets outside the financial sector sits at 22.9 per cent. In the oil and gas industry, that rises to 33 per cent. In forestry and logging, foreign-controlled enterprises have been reported as accounting for up to 40 per cent of revenues, though lack of transparent reporting makes accountability difficult.

It’s hard to notice ownership structures when companies have deceptive names such as “LNG Canada,” which has no Canadian ownership but is a massive joint venture between five multinational corporations, some state-owned, including PetroChina and Korea Gas Corporation.

This is not an argument for xenophobia or economic isolation. Canada’s participation in global markets is vital to its economy, while foreign companies bring capital and expertise and employ countless people who live here.

Ownership matters, as does the long-term accountability that follows.

Companies not headquartered here direct more profit out of the country with little concern or accountability for the ecological consequences of their actions.

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When we prioritize multinational corporations over Indigenous stewardship models rooted in ecological responsibility and community benefits, we undermine reconciliation and the potential for a sustainable future.

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Most Canadians want limits on foreign ownership. A recent survey found almost 60 per cent believed outside possession of Canada’s critical minerals was a greater threat than “missing out on development and jobs because of a lack of investment.”

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Sovereignty can’t matter in one context and be dismissed in another.

We should all be asking the important questions: Who makes decisions around Canada’s natural wealth? Who benefits? And who is left holding the bag?

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Opinion piece by David Suzuki, a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Stefanie Carmichael.

Canada announced $20 million in federal investment through Genome Canada and regional Genome Centres to launch 33 new genomics R&D projects across the country.

Spanning applications from AI-powered precision cancer care to helping farmers target drought-tolerant canola crops, these industry-academic partnerships are designed to accelerate adoption of genomics in sectors critical to Canadian health and economic competitiveness.

The investment will generate more than $45 million in additional private and other public sector co-investment—demonstrating how targeted federal funding can catalyze broader business growth, job creation and the deployment of genomics-enabled technologies at scale.

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Made through Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), this investment will support projects aimed at delivering:

• Faster, more precise diagnoses and personalized care for cancer, rare and chronic diseases
• Accelerated, cost-effective drug development
• New therapies for currently incurable diseases
• Healthier, higher-yield crops for stronger food security
• Improved food safety and reduced agri-food waste
• Lower emissions and greater resilience in agriculture and livestock
• Smarter, faster ecosystem monitoring
• More efficient pollution cleanup

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Through the Canadian Genomics Strategy, Canada is investing $175.1 million over seven years in genomics commercialization, data coordination and talent—cementing genomics as a cornerstone of Canada’s bioeconomy. The CGS committed a total of $96 million in investment support for commercialization and adoption through Genome Canada’s Genomics Application Partnership Program (GAPP).

The projects announced today are based across Canada.

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