Reading Time: 2 minutes Canada is seeking to finalize a free trade deal with Southeast Asian nations as part of a push to expand into new markets, its top diplomat said, responding to the hefty tariffs imposed on it by the United States, its neighbour and largest trade partner.

Canada seeks pact with Southeast Asian countries to diversify trade

Dairy supply management could sour Canada-US trade talks
Recent legislation may not keep negotiators from discussing supply management, experts say
Reading Time: 2 minutes Supply-managed Canadian dairy could be a sticking point in trade negotiations with the U.S.

Federal byelection called in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding
Conservative leader Poilievre to to be on ballot after MP resigns seat
Reading Time: < 1 minute A federal byelection has been called in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will seek to regain a seat in Parliament.

Canada rescinds digital services tax to advance stalled trade talks with US
Reading Time: 2 minutes Canada scrapped its digital services tax targeting U.S. technology firms just hours before it was due to take effect on Monday, in a bid to advance stalled trade negotiations with the U.S.

Bill to protect supply management passes, exporters disappointed
Bill C-202 must receive Royal Assent before it can be put into force
Reading Time: 2 minutes Exporters feel Bill C-202 undermines the country's commitment to rules-based international trading and sends the wrong message to trading partners.

Toronto MP named agriculture committee chair
Reading Time: < 1 minute Ontario MP Michael Coteau will chair the next House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Alberta MP resigns, Poilievre will seek seat
Reading Time: < 1 minute Damien Kurek has formally resigned his Alberta seat, allowing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection expected this summer.

New house agriculture committee includes four farmers
Reading Time: < 1 minute Several farmers are among members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, named on Monday.

Black tables soil health protection bill in Senate
Legislation would recognize soil as a strategic national asset
Reading Time: < 1 minute Senator Rob Black sponsored Bill S-230, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy for Soil Health Protection, Conservation and Enhancement. If passed, it would mandate the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and other relevant ministers, to develop a national soil health strategy.

Politicians should view decisions with a ‘food lens’ amid trade tensions say experts
Agriculture, particularly in the West, struggles to get adequate representation in government
Reading Time: 3 minutes Politicians should apply a “food lens” to decision-making to protect Canada’s agriculture sector amid trade tensions, some experts say.