A Snapshot: UK-Canada Trade Relations
By Joe Godbold
© James Wheeler/pixabay – CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
Joe Godbold
First published: 18 February 2021
Last updated: 15 March 2022
Canada
Building on our UK-Arctic Trade and Investment Observatory, we have pulled together all of the relevant information pertaining to UK-Canada trade relations, including UK government announcements relating to all of the latest statistical information around UK-Canada trade, as well as finding all of the latest information around trade and investment, with a UK-Canada focus.
Period: Four quarters to the end of Q3 2021 (unless specified otherwise)
Rank as trading partner (goods and services):
14th trading partner (accounting for 1.8% of total UK trade)
15th largest goods trading partner (accounting for 1.8% of UK goods trade)
16th largest services trading partner (accounting for 1.7% of UK services trade)
Rank as export market:
13th largest export market (accounting for 2.0% of total UK exports)
13th largest goods export market (accounting for 1.9% of UK goods exports)
10th largest services export market (accounting for 2.0% of UK services exports)
Rank of import market:
19th largest import market (accounting for 1.6% of total UK imports)
16th largest goods import market (accounting for 1.6% of UK goods imports)
18th largest services import market (accounting for 1.3% of UK services imports)
Total trade in goods and services: £22.0 billion (increase of 20.5% or £3.8 billion from previous year)
Total UK exports to Canada: £12.0 billion (increase of 0.2% or £23 million from previous year)
Total UK imports from Canada: £10.1 billion (increase of 58.9% or £3.7 billion from previous year)
Outward stock of FDI (2020): £29.6 billion (1.8% of the total UK outward FDI stock)
Inward stock of FDI (2020): £40.7 billion (2.1% of the total UK inward FDI stock)
For further information, visit DIT’s Trade and Investment Factsheet for Canada .
Latest News about UK-Canada Trade :
British and Canadian troops have joined together, with other allies, for an Arctic exercise. (15/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-armed-forces-join-largest-arctic-exercise-in-30-years
With Russian steel imports banned, Canada and others stand to make up the shortfall for European steelmakers. (14/03/2022): https://www.steeltimesint.com/news/uk-steel-titans-suspend-russian-coal-imports
Following fintech cash injection from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, calls for UK pension funds to “step up” and back British have subsequently followed. (11/03/2022): https://www.cityam.com/fintech-cash-injection-from-canadian-pension-fund-reignites-calls-for-uk-schemes-to-step-up/
The UK plans to deepen its work with Canada and others to boost security in the Arctic Circle. (10/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-liz-truss-speech-at-the-atlantic-council-annual-makins-lecture
Further trade considerations regarding the maritime sector and Canada have been reviewed in the most recent UK government Board of Trade paper. (10/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/board-of-trade-report-maritime/embracing-the-ocean-a-board-of-trade-paper-web-version
Further discussion of the UK-Canadian co-sponsored bill agenda on intellectual property and IP, innovation and microfinance has been discussed at the WTO. (10/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/wto-trips-council-march-2022-uk-statement
The UK has fulfilled its design contracts for British Naval ships to Canada. (10/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-shipbuilding-vision-launched
Post-Brexit UK gaining “world leading” status in the innovative drug sector, with Canadian psychedelic medicene startup Albert Labs planning UK trials. (10/03/2022): https://sifted.eu/articles/albert-labs-psilocybin-psychedelic-ipo/
Canada’s largest single-profession pension fund, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, has led a £210 million funding round in UK financial group Lendable. (10/03/2022): https://www.ft.com/content/c5064b4d-a38e-4268-a10a-18c621896abb
Assessing the opportunities and challenges for British meat exporters. (09/03/2022): https://ahdb.org.uk/news/consumer-insight-harnessing-consumer-buying-behaviour-for-british-exports
The Canadian government post-pandemic opening up strategy has resulted in extra support being announced for skilled newcomers to enter the job market. (09/03/2022): https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/government-canada-announces-support-skilled-220900636.html
Changes to the import conditions relating to Quercus casks from Canada to the UK have been made. (08/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plant-health-news/plant-health-and-forest-reproductive-material-news-issue-46-february-2022
CANZUK welcomes continued dialogue between the governments of Canada and the UK, with joint work on UKraine statement, and further trade ties to come. (08/03/2022): https://www.canzukinternational.com/2022/03/canada-uk-issue-joint-statement-for-closer-ties.html
Trudeau supports countries ending Russian gas usage. (08/03/2022): https://ipolitics.ca/2022/03/08/net-zero-trudeau-supports-countries-ending-use-of-russian-gas/
Vancouver and London based First Hydrogen Corp has established First Hydrogen Energy – as a wing to build green hydrogen production and distribution across Canada, the UK and Europe. (08/03/2022): https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4465783
Boris Johnson has shown signs of committing the UK to a scaling up of oil and Gas production in light of the Ukraine-Russia crisis, to wean off of Russian energy supplies. (07/03/2022): https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/07/johnson-hints-oil-and-gas-output-must-rise-to-wean-uk-off-russian-supplies
UK PM Boris Johnson has spoken to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, regarding matters including trade, and the Ukraine-Russia crisis. (07/03/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-7-march-2022
Canada increases Russian sanctions in wake of invasion. (04/03/2022): https://mcmillan.ca/insights/canada-ratchets-up-its-sanctions-in-response-to-the-russia-ukraine-crisis/
Canada and the UK have banned Russian ships from using their ports. (02/03/2022): https://www.export.org.uk/news/597470/Russian-shipping-now-prohibited-from-using-UK-ports-as-EU-looks-to-follow-suit.htm
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has committed a further Euros 260 million in UK-based Renewable Power Capital. (01/03/2022): https://www.pehub.com/cppib-to-invest-in-renewable-power-capital/
IEA members (including UK and Canada), are to make 60 million barrels of oil available to aid import-dependent countries, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (01/03/2022): https://www.livemint.com/news/world/iea-member-countries-to-make-60-mn-barrels-of-oil-available-amid-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine-11646153585113.html
International NGOs press UK and other wealthy nations for $60 bn in international nature finance commitment, ahead of the UN’s biodiversity summit. (01/03/2022): https://www.edie.net/news/9/NGOs-press-UK-and-other-wealthy-nations-for–60bn-international-nature-finance-commitment/
UK, Canada and allies expel Russian banks from Swift payments. (27/02/2022): https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/swift-payment-system-new-sanctions-ban-russia-banks-explained-ukraine-invasion-1486739
UK, Canada and allies announce sanctions targeting Putin and Lavrov. (25/02/2022): https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/eu-to-announce-sanctions-targeting-vladimir-putin-and-sergei-lavrov
To further the UK’s “science superpower” status, Global research allies such as Canada will be critical to such ambitions. (25/02/2022): https://www.abpi.org.uk/media/news/2022/february/global-research-allies-critical-to-uk-science-superpower-ambitions/
Emergency powers removed in Canada after the blockade ends. (24/02/2022): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/justin-trudeau-canada-ottawa-toronto-covid-b2021916.html
UK sanctions Russia while Canada delivers aircraft filled with “lethal military aid” to Ukraine in light of the invasion. (23/02/2022): https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/22/ukraine-russia-latest-live-news-updates-crisis-putin-biden-zelenskiy-kyiv-kiev-russian-invasion-border-threat
The UK and allies within the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO) has published a vision for responsible space operations. (22/02/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-partners-publish-vision-for-responsible-space-operations
Canada joins the UK and allies in targeting Russian banks and pipeline project, as well as sending additional troops to Eastern Europe. (22/02/2021): https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russas-ukraine-sanctions-1.6359864
State of emergency powers, in response to the trucker protests, in Canada have been extended. (22/02/2022): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10536079/Blockades-Trudeau-says-emergency-powers-needed.html
The UK and Canada have placed further sanctions on Russia, Russian business, and individuals. (22/02/2022): https://inews.co.uk/news/world/sanctions-what-meaning-explained-uk-russia-ukraine-measures-1474991
Trudeau uses “state of emergency” emergency powers to end trucker-led protests. (22/02/2022): https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/trudeau-canada-blockades-lifted-emergency-not-over-1698348
The UK has released guidance for visa applications as a Tier 1 Investor. (21/02/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-1-investor/tier-1-investor-guidance-accessible-version
Post-Brexit trade deals with Canada and others will see less expensive imported farm produce flood the UK market. (21/02/2022): https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2022/02/governments-post-brexit-trade-deals-reducing-farm-to-fork-hospitality/
UK set to reject Canada’s hormone beef demands in setback to trade talks. (20/02/2022): https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-set-reject-canadas-hormone-beef-demands-early-trade-talks-setback-telegraph-2022-02-20/
The UK’s competition watchdog is joining forces with fellow “Five Eyes” nations. (18/02/2022): https://www.export.org.uk/news/596114/UKs-competition-watchdog-unites-with-global-counterparts-to-probe-shipping-price-collusion.htm
UK takes step closer to CPTPP, after DIT announces “major milestone” has been reached. (18/02/2022): https://www.export.org.uk/news/596113/UK-takes-another-step-closer-to-entry-into-CPTPP-trade-bloc-ahead-of-trade-ministers-visit-to-Asia-.htm
Canadian B2B e-commerce platform COnvictional secured $50.7 million CAD, and has announced a UK expansion. (17/02/2022): https://betakit.com/convictional-secures-50-7-million-cad-announces-uk-expansion/
UK inflation hits 30 year high, while Canada’s jumps to 5.1% in Januray – the highest since September 1991. (16/02/2022): https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2022/feb/16/uk-inflation-30-year-high-food-energy-cost-of-living-stock-markets-business-live
Proposed amendments to Canada’s national security regulations on foreign investment. (16/02/2022): https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/proposed-amendments-to-canada-s-1815004/
Supply chain issues into Europe have occurred due to the Canadian trucker protest. (15/02/2022): https://www.natlawreview.com/article/transatlantic-trade-us-and-europe-week-february-14-2022
Starmer argues Labour would ‘make Brexit work’, when adjusting to life outside of the EU. (15/02/2022): https://www.export.org.uk/news/595646/Starmer-says-Labour-would-make-Brexit-work-and-grasp-opportunities-of-life-outside-the-EU.htm
After seizing domestic manufacturing opportunities in Canada, Modern isclose to clinching a deal with the UK government for major plans in research and manufacturing. (15/02/2022): https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/02/15/moderna-plans-major-investment-deal-in-uk-research-and-manufacturing/
Just six countries, including Canada and the UK, were responsible for 8-% of coal financing and investment between January 2019 – November 2021. (15/02/2022): https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/15/climate-research-shows-how-banks-investors-finance-the-coal-industry.html
DIT announces negotiating team for 2022, looking to gain accession to CPTPP by the end of the year. (14/02/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dit-announces-top-negotiating-team-for-2022
Bond yields are set to climb in the UK and Canada. (08/02/2022): https://www.ft.com/content/4f6245bd-1029-4a31-8357-2920839f0ed0
UK may allow in hormone-treated beef, after Canada suggests potential veto to CPTPP post-Brexit trade deal over issue. (08/02/2022): https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/hormone-treated-beef-brexit-canada-cptpp-311253/
Ladbrokes owned Entain buys Canada’s top online betting brand. (08/02/2022): https://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/shares/entain-buys-canadas-leading-online-betting-brand
Canadian craft-whiskey firm Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery (MCD) is considering a trade complaint to the EU, following the Scotch Whiskey Association threatening a lawsuit to MCD’s German distributor, resulting in some suspended sales. (04/02/2022): https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/scotland-business/3921426/canadian-whisky-maker-furious-over-scottish-threat-to-exports/
The National laboratories of UK, Canada, et al have held a summit to tackle climate goals, agreeing to collaborate on R&I to attain a net-zero energy economy. (04/02/2022): https://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/National-labs-summit-to-tackle-climate-goals
Canada puts pressure on the UK regarding hormone-treated beef in CPTPP trade negotiations. (03/02/2022): https://www.politico.eu/article/canada-probes-uk-over-hormone-beef-ban-as-london-eyes-trade-pact/
Potential pathways for the UK’s CPTPP accession. (01/02/2022): https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/02/01/prospects-for-the-united-kingdoms-cptpp-accession/
Green Hydrogen investments gain traction as a promising UK energy solution. (01/02/2022): https://www.energy-storage.news/green-hydrogen-investments-gain-traction-as-promising-uk-energy-solution/
Britain and Canada, along with the US, has imposed new sanctions on Myanmar. (31/01/2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-new-sanctions-against-myanmar-ahead-of-one-year-anniversary-of-coup
Farmers are pawns in Brexit negotiations, according to the President of the NFU, with further worries for trade deals with big farming nations such as Canada. (29/01/2022): https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/29/nfu-president-farmers-are-pawns-in-brexit-negotiations
Leading UK investor, Mark Versey CEO of Aviva Investors, will vote to oust directors who fail on climate change. (28/01/2022): https://www.energy-storage.news/green-hydrogen-investments-gain-traction-as-promising-uk-energy-solution/
The Bank of Canada left its rates at all-time lows of 0.25%, raising questions over whether the BOC is less hawkish in its dealings with inflation. (26/01/2022): https://www.cityindex.co.uk/market-analysis/bank-of-canada-leaves-rates-unchanged-is-it-less-hawkish-now/
Canada and Bangladesh are going to launch JWG to boost bilateral trade and investment. (26/01/22) https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/bangladesh-canada-launch-jwg-boost-bilateral-trade-and-investment-362575
Canadians must be fully vaccinated to travel to the U.S via the border. (24/01/22) https://www.forbes.com/sites/sandramacgregor/2022/01/24/canadians-must-now-be-fully-vaccinated-to-travel-to-us-via-border/?sh=3b893a8f7835
Canada shares lower at close of trade – the S &P/ TSX composite is down 1.04% (24/01/22) https://uk.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/canada-shares-lower-at-close-of-trade-sptsx-composite-down-104-2569394
Over 700,000 Canadians flew internationally in December despite the Omicron surge (23/01/22) https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/over-700-000-canadians-flew-internationally-in-december-despite-omicron-surge-1.5751498
UK-based Antithesis acquires Canadian agri-food outfit, Provision Coalition, increasing its international outreach. (21/01/2022): https://environment-analyst.com/global/107676/anthesis-acquires-canadian-and-dutch-firms
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), is predicting an increase in investment, compared to last year, of $6 billion. (21/01/2022): https://ipolitics.ca/2022/01/21/net-zero-capp-forecasts-33b-in-oil-and-gas-investments-in-2022/
A report into a Canadian-based, blue hydrogen, Shell-facility, investigating how much carbon it emits, has found only 48% of its emissions are secured, not the heralded 90% (20/01/2022): https://news.sky.com/story/climate-change-shell-carbon-capture-facility-secures-just-48-of-hydrogen-production-emissions-12520938
The UK sends anti-tank weaponry to Ukraine, while Canada sends special forces. (18/01/2021): https://www.news24.com/news24/world/news/uk-gives-ukraine-anti-tank-weapons-as-canada-sends-special-forces-20220118
Canada has been removed from the safe travel list so people should not travel into the EU for non essential reasons. (17/01/22): https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2022/01/17/eu-travel-ban-canada-australia-removed-from-safe-travel-list/?sh=7fe3849f1be3
FinDev Canada has announced a $13million dollar participation in Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF), which is co-funded by aid from the UK government, for development of access to clean energy in Africa. (17/01/2021): https://cceonlinenews.com/2022/01/17/findev-canada-boosts-access-to-clean-energy-in-africa/
Following worldwide government shifts to decarbonise, the global race for lithium will cause a rise in the price of electric car batteries. (15/01/2021): https://inews.co.uk/news/lithium-electric-cars-batteries-rise-cost-vehicles-carbon-neutral-uk-climate-1343403
The TCA between Canada and the UK agreed to start negotiations on a new bilateral trade agreement by 1st April 2022 and finish the negotiations in 2 years. The government planned to hold a consultation process before starting the negotiations. ( 11/01/22): https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3469e9ca-0a18-49ac-af6e-2b208d03a860
The Canadian Dollar is holding its ground against the Pound, counteracting the UKs handling of how to emerge from the Pandemic, through oil price increases benefitting domestic firms. (11/01/2021): https://www.exchangerates.org.uk/news/34797/2022-01-10-gbp-cad-forecast-pound-canadian-dollar-exchange-rate-rangebound-coronavirus-anxieties-ease.html
Canada’s new environment minister envisages quicker phase out of fossil fuel energy and jobs. (09/01/2022): https://thenarwhal.ca/federal-environment-minister-steven-guilbeault/
The UK, Canada, and other partners have further coordinated in dealing sanctions against Belarus and its government. (07/01/2022): https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2022/01/07/eu-uk-us-and-canada-coordinate-on-further-sanctions-against-belarus/
The Canadian government announced its biggest trade surplus in more than 13 years in November, with record exports offsetting flooding causing a surge above economists’ predictions. (06/01/2022): https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-trade-surplus-soars-highest-191317619.html
British firms plan to increase company prices by 5% to counteract rising inflation. (06/01/2022): https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/u-k-inflation-builds-with-companies-planning-5-price-increases
Leading energy fund manager, Eric Nuttall, encourages investment in small, non-oil-and-gas Canadian firms. (05/01/2022): https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/stick-canada-2022-top-performing-145808014.html
Trudeau announces a plan for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures from companies. (05/01/2022): https://www.natlawreview.com/article/canada-announces-plan-mandatory-climate-financial-disclosures
Brexit has facilitated easier UK haggis exports to Canada, than to the EU. (05/01/2022): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/01/05/brexit-red-tape-means-now-easier-export-haggis-canada-eu/
The NSI Act has come into force today, granting the UK government more powers to vet foreign investment so as to protect national security. (04/01/2022): https://www.theepochtimes.com/new-uk-law-boosts-scrutiny-over-hostile-foreign-takeovers_4192074.html
A conversation with Britain’s High Commissioner to Canada, Susannah Goshko, including details on the currently negotiated FTA, Brexit, and further innovation in science. (30/12/2021): https://ipolitics.ca/2021/12/30/a-conversation-with-british-high-commissioner-susannah-goshko/
Canada and the UK further their renewable drive with massive developments eyed for tidal power. (23/12/2021): https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Tidal-Energy/Canada-And-The-UK-Are-Eyeing-Massive-Tidal-Power-Developments.html
The UK’s new National Security and Investment Act 2021 comes into force on 4 January 2022, affecting investors worldwide, with the UK looking to reassure businesses. (20/12/2021): https://www.ft.com/content/b4c38d21-986c-4eab-a04f-47f946056974
i3 Energy, a UK and Toronto listed Oil and Gas company, is to invest US$47 million into Canadian assets, including participation in 17 new wells. (20/12/2021): https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/905818/i3-energy-is-growing-a-production-base-in-canada-905818.html
After Omicron’s outbreak, Canada is debating a new ban on non-essential travellers, focally considering France’s ban on travellers from Britain. (18/12/2021): https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2021/12/18/canada-is-still-considering-a-ban-on-non-essential-travellers-sources-say.html
Canada’s food industry must learn from the UK supply-chain crisis. (16/12/2021): https://financialpost.com/commodities/agriculture/mark-taylor-canadas-food-industry-must-take-important-lessons-from-the-u-k
The UK Trade Remedies Authority has proposed trade measures for biodiesel, furthering UK FAME production industry protection, but also trade with USA and Canada for HVO (for the benefit of UK agricultural and transport industries). (15/12/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-trade-remedies-authority-proposes-trade-measures-for-biodiesel
Canada-UK trade talks enter a new phase ahead of formally commencing the negotiations on their bilateral FTA in April 2022. (15/12/2021): https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3469e9ca-0a18-49ac-af6e-2b208d03a860
British equities suffer record outflows for 2021, diminishing returns and backfiring for those who bought into the “buy UK” equity trade. (14/12/2021): https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/investment-ideas/article-once-loved-buy-uk-equity-trade-proves-cheap-and-unloved/
Anne-Marie Trevelyan has set out the hopes for Britain’s trade agenda, at a key note speech addressing the beginning of formal negotiations with regions, including Canada. (13/12/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/anne-marie-trevelyan-keynote-address-at-asia-house-global-trade-dialogue
The G7 will look to present a united front against Russia, in light of Russian aggression against Ukraine. (10/12/2021): https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-britain-seeks-g7-show-of-unity-against-russia-over-ukraine-crisis-2/
Octopus Energy, a UK-based energy firm, has secured a $300m investment from Canada Pension Plan, allowing movements into renewable energy for the company. (10/12/2021): https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/10/octopus-energy-raises-long-term-investment-to-value-startup-at-5bn
The Government of Canada has announced $8.7M in funding for four new projects in Vancouver under the National Trade Corridors Fund, which will help to improve operational efficiencies and reduces import and exports costs. (10/12/2021): https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-invests-in-four-projects-to-increase-efficiency-of-cargo-handling-in-the-lower-mainland-870947076.html
The UK and Canada have joined the diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. (09/12/2021): https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/australia-joins-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-games-2703564
Liz Truss has set out vision for increased security and defence partnership with Canada, including through cyber security and work in the Arctic. (08/12/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-liz-truss-building-the-network-of-liberty
Canadian robo-adviser Wealthsimple’s exit from the UK is expected to usher a further wave of casualties from the “oversaturated” UK market. (06/12/2021): https://www.ftadviser.com/platforms/2021/12/06/wealthsimple-exit-one-of-a-number-of-casualties-to-come/
Canadian infrastructure company, BAI communications, has bought UK private network supplier Vilicom. (03/12/2021): https://www.capacitymedia.com/articles/3830291/private-network-operator-vilicom-bought-by-canadas-bai
The UK has helped broker a deal with the WTO which will lead to a cut cost of global services trade by £113 billion. (02/12/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-helps-broker-groundbreaking-wto-agreement-set-to-cut-cost-of-global-services-trade-by-113-billion
General Fusion – a Vancouver based company with plans to commercialise its magnetised target fusion energy technology for a further source of clean electricity – has secured $130 million of funding, including from the UK and Canadian governments. (01/12/2021): https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/general-fusion-funding-magnetized-target-fusion-energy-technology
New support, including from Canada, for UK’s agri-food and drink industry, on the back of “Global Britain”. (30/11/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-support-for-uks-world-leading-agri-food-and-drink-industry
Lords committee on future trade deals highlights legal obstacles down the line in CPTPP deal. (22/11/2021): https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/news-focus-pacific-trade-deal-facing-formidable-legal-obstacles/5110630.article
UK International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announces plan to boost UK’s overseas trade. (17/11/2021): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59313263
UK trade official states UK ‘on track’ to join CPTPP by 2022. (16/11/2021): https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/U.K.-on-track-to-join-CPTPP-by-2022-trade-official-says
Canadian Climate Minister, Steven Guilbeaut, reiterates further work big emitters need to do post-COP26. (16/11/2021): https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-nov-16-2021-1.6250538/climate-minister-says-canada-still-needs-to-do-more-but-cop26-brought-victories-1.6251070
The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board has further extended its investments towards a new UK real estate development. (15/11/2021): https://realassets.ipe.com/news/cpp-investments-federated-hermes-create-new-uk-real-estate-partnership/10056348.article
Canadian investment organisation CULT Food Science Corp has made an investment into UK firm 3D Bio-Tissues Limited. (09/11/2021): https://vegconomist.com/investments-acquisitions/canadas-cult-food-science-corp-makes-strategic-investment-into-uks-3d-bio-tissues-ltd/
Following Brexit, the losses for the UK in trade deals are 178 times bigger than gains. (07/11/2021): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-trade-deals-australia-new-zealand-b1959478.html
Canada and the UK are among 20 countries who agree to stop financing fossil fuels internationally. (04/11/2021): https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/11/04/canada-us-italy-among-20-countries-stop-financing-fossil-fuels-internationally/
The UK and Canada have worked in tandem to secure an increased phase out of coal at COP26, in efforts to ensure a just transition. (03/11/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/end-of-coal-in-sight-as-uk-secures-ambitious-commitments-at-cop26-summit
12 countries (including the UK and Canada) have pledged $12 billion donor support to support and reverse the forest loss and protect land rights, through the Global Forest Finance Pledge (GFFP). (02/11/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-billion-donor-support-to-halt-and-reverse-forest-loss-and-protect-land-rights
Canadian telecommunications firm TELUS takes a stake in iSmash, to provide the financial power to accelerate its UK expansion. (01/11/2021): https://news.sky.com/story/canadian-telecoms-giant-telus-takes-stake-in-tech-repair-chain-ismash-12456993
Following recent monetary policy shifts, investors test bankers’ insistence that elevated inflation will be minimal, betting on a further shift in global monetary policy. (01/11/2021): https://www.ft.com/content/e8fd411b-6adc-4404-9d72-88fc7f9f475e
New appointment of Canadian Environment Minister – Steven Guilbeault – signals switch to greener Canadian tact. (01/11/2021): https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/01/steven-guilbeault-canada-environment-minister-518446
Boris Johnson has met with Justin Trudeau, discussing issues including a new FTA. (30/10/2021): https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2021/10/30/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-meets-prime-minister-boris-johnson-united
Canada’s oil industry fears new climate minister – ex-greenpeace activist Steven Guilbeault. (30/10/2021): https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/30/ahead-of-cop26-canadas-oil-industry-fearful-of-new-minister
Canadian Dollar gains are unlikely to be as stellar as markets are expecting, according to a report from the MUFG Bank. (29/10/2021): https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/cad/16124-canadian-dollar-strength-to-fade-says-mufg-despite-hawkish-boc
The Bank of Canada has added to the short-term bond market tumultuation by signalling it could raise rates as soon as the middle of next year. (29/10/2021): https://www.ft.com/content/9c08a498-16be-48dc-b491-3627e0b4aed3
The UK and Canadian space agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint activities and information sharing on Space. (28/10/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-canada-space-agencies-sign-mou-on-joint-activities-and-information-sharing
Canada has been found to be the largest financier of fossil fuels. (28/10/2021): https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/10/28/news/canada-takes-carbon-crown-when-it-comes-fossil-fuel-financing
Canada and the EU are seeking legislative efforts to impose human rights and due diligence obligations on multinational employers, bringing processes in line with those such as Britain. (28/10/2021): https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/europe-and-canada-seek-to-mandate-human-4289237/
Britain’s latest budget has provided a backdrop to increased trade with Canada, with a £67.6 million cash boost for the Department for Trade designed to be used as part of a program that includes securing a new trade deal with Canada. (28/10/2021): https://bfpg.co.uk/2021/10/spending-review-global-britain/
The Bank of Canada has ended its Quantitative Easing program. (27/10/2021): https://www.cityindex.co.uk/market-analysis/bank-of-canada-ends-quantitative-easing-program/
Companies (including from the UK and Canada) have been outed as using ‘net-zero’ as a smokescreen to delay climate action as part of greenwashing. (27/10/2021): https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/10/27/news/report-outs-companies-big-polluters-ahead-cop26
Canada’s third largest pension fund, OTPP, has slashed its bonds holding, in manhunt for better inflation-hedged returns via real assets, with a global expansion plan including into the UK. (26/10/2021): https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/Canadas_OTPP_cuts_bonds_targets_real_assets_as_inflation_hedge-TR20211026nL8N2RL3CIX1/
Another large Canadian pension fund, CDPQ, plans to invest $12bn in UK and European assets. (26/10/2021): https://todayuknews.com/market/pension-fund-cdpq-plans-to-pour-12bn-into-european-and-uk-assets/
The UK COP26 presidency has published a Climate Finance Delivery program, led by German State Secretary Flasbarth and Canada’s Minister Wilkinson, in delivering a planned trajectory of $100bn per/year in climate finance to support developing countries. (25/10/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-cop26-presidency-publishes-climate-finance-delivery-plan-led-by-german-state-secretary-flasbarth-and-canadas-minister-wilkinson-ahead-of-cop26
The new UK-New Zealand FTA will pave the way for the UK to join the CPTPP bloc. (22/10/2021): https://thediplomat.com/2021/10/the-geopolitics-behind-the-new-zealand-uk-free-trade-agreement/
Rishi Sunak has announced a new scheme to woo foreign talent and back innovative business, with a £1.4bn investment fund being announced in next week’s budget. (24/10/2021): https://www.independent.co.uk/business/new-schemes-to-back-innovative-businesses-and-woo-foreign-talent-b1944207.html
UK and Canadian allies agreed to end export credit support for unabated coal-fired plants at the OECD. (22/10/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-trade-partners-agree-to-end-export-credit-support-for-coal
The UK has offered support to Canada’s statement ( here ) at 7-8 October 2021 World Trade Organisation General Council. (18/10/2021) :https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-trade-organization-general-council-october-2021-uk-statements
The UK has invited Canadian companies to a bilateral space investment trade mission, in March 2022. (15/10/2021): https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/200231227
At preliminary discussions to MC12 – at a meeting of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) – a topic on “Women and Intellectual Property” has been put forward and co-sponsored by countries including the UK and Canada (14/10/2021): https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news21_e/trip_14oct21_e.htm
Engaged discussion included on programmes for assisting/promoting women’s participation in the IP system and measures that have proven useful for supporting women entrepreneurs in participating in the IP system
Emma Wade-Smith OBE has been appointed the new HM Trade Commissioner for North America (27/09/2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-hm-consul-general-and-trade-commissioner-for-north-america-announced-by-uk-government
The UK offers to take part in cold-weather exercises and bring in some of its more advanced capabilities such as nuclear-powered submarines to help with surveillance and defence in Canada’s Far North (24/09/2021): https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/britain-uk-canada-arctic-defence-submarines-russia-china-1.6187347
New NDP MP for Nunavut, Lori Idlout, hopes to shift the balance of power in the relationship between her territory and the federal government as the Government of Canada looks to Canada’s North for resources (22/09/2021): https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/new-nunavut-mp-lori-idlout-wants-to-shift-territory-s-relationship-with-federal-government-1.6185424
Federal election results in Canada’s North have produced three Liberal candidates, a New Democrat and a Bloc Quebecois member in the five ridings from Yukon to Labrador; the main issues prominent to these areas are housing, climate change, health care and reconciliation (21/09/2021): https://www.arctictoday.com/liberals-win-most-seats-across-canadas-north/
Trudeau’s victory in the election has secured a new mandate that includes a number of tax-based incentives for climate action, funding for clean energy infrastructure projects and related climate action policies, and investing in global trade (21/09/2021): https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada-election-2021-justin-trudeaus-liberals-party-platform/
HMCS Harry DeWolf begins maiden voyage as the lead vessel of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) ability to assert Canadian sovereignty in Arctic and coastal Canadian waters, and support international operations as required (09/09/2021): http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/aops-home.page
The Harry DeWolf class of ships (six in total) will expand on the existing affiliation with the Inuit Nunangat in Qikiqtani region of Nunavut (formalized in May 2019) by forming affiliations in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut as well as the Inuvialuit, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut regions.
Joe Godbold is a Global Leadership Fellow at Polar Research and Policy Initiative. He is part of the PRPI team behind the UK-Arctic Trade and Investment Observatory, and serves as the lead for Canada.