Thoughts on BC Politics and More

  Canada's status within the Indo-Pacific region is set to get a boost as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prepares to make Ottawa its latest strategic partner when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Indonesia.   The move by the organization is a symbolic gesture that recognizes Canada's expanded presence in the region and reflects the progress being made on a Canada-ASEAN free-trade agreement.   The partnership will be ratified when Trudeau is in Jakarta on Tuesday and Wednesday alongside Trade Minister Mary Ng ... CLICK HERE for the full story

  U.S. argues Canada's 'stumpage fee' system amounts to unfair subsidies on Canadian lumber   The federal government is pushing back against the latest U.S. decision to keep imposing duties on Canadian softwood lumber.   Canada has filed for a judicial review of last month's U.S. Commerce Department assessment of the levies, which International Trade Minister Mary Ng described in a statement as "unfair, unjust and illegal."   Ng framed the move as an effort to escalate the concerns of exporters while encouraging the U.S. to consider a negotiated solution to a dispute that has plagued Canada-U.S. relations for decades ...   CLICK HERE for the rest of the story