Order Number |
6E465347795 |
Type of Project |
ESSAY |
Writer Level |
PHD VERIFIED |
Format |
APA |
Academic Sources |
10 |
Page Count |
3-12 PAGES |
What cultural and political significance does Canada have compared to other countries?
Canada considers the great white north, a beautiful country filled with a rich history and Tim Hortons. Canada plays a middle power role when it comes to economic ventures with other countries. From an article Economic Statecraft and the Making of Bilateral Relationships: Canada-China and New Zealand-China Interactions Compared, “Our conception of middle powers is based on the “technical and entrepreneurial capacities’ of these states, rather than categorizations based on absolutes of size, power, or geography” (Noakes & Burton par.2). This displays the power role Canada exemplifies towards other governments. Canada doesn’t try to lead movements in terms of economic strides, but bandwagons off other countries with greater economic power. Canada looks as a desirable opportunity for China as, “We contend that Canada’s greater strategic value for China derives from a range of factors not present. Such factors include Canada’s membership in the G7 and China’s desire to cultivate stronger ties with that organization as well as NATO, concessions on the SCS decision, the DPRK, and various human rights claims. China expects that if it extends fairer access to its markets to Canada, then Canada will reciprocally allow the transfer of restricted technologies, as well as remove the current restrictions on Chinese state firms acquiring ownership of Canadian energy companies and mines” (Noakes & Burton par.15). Simply showing the trade agreements that Canada has which puts them at a greater political position. Canada foreign trade policies are significant to know in order for an organization to enter that country’s market and gain the most out of their involvement. Being a middle power-based economy isn’t considered a bad thing; they follow strides and adapt which puts them at a greater advantage when it comes to entering new markets. But Canada seems to be looking for an alternative policy that would give them a better upper hand when it comes to dealing with foreign countries.
Canada has political power though current and emerging trade agreements that would ensure economic dependency from other countries. Canada, considered a middle power, highly relies on dependency on the two huge powerhouse economies of the United States. Canada has had, “historically deep links – some would say dependence – on the US economy. Canada’s trade and investment flows were heavily oriented towards the United States, and that orientation showed every sign of increasing and deepening” (Hübner 107). This displays the strong ties that Canada carries with the United States, which is good in terms of early economic growth for the country, but now they are trying to diversify their trade potential by making new deals that would greatly benefit them. Canada is in search of economic independence which turns their focus onto Europe. “The proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) has a number of potential benefits. For Europe, it offers the possibility of improved access to the North American market, and serves as a template for other negotiations outside the stalled Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO). CETA also compliments Canada’s long- term interests in balancing American trade dependence and limiting future trade disputes, which have previously damaged the Euro–Canadian trade relation” (Hübner 130). This displays the current value of Canada’s political power as this agreement would greatly benefit them alone as a country, loosening ties with the U.S. and gaining access to new economic trades. This would be considered a more fair-trade agreement that would greatly provide both parties with more access and less limitation on foreign markets. It displays the political dynamic Canada is trying to work towards, and not focusing on being a middle power-based economy.
Within the CETA trade deals it highlights the culture difference the two parties have. For example, “The EU responded by initiating a series of scientific studies focusing on the safety of beef hormone… highlighting ongoing health concerns related to six different beef hormones. On the basis of these findings the EU maintained its ban on Canada and US beef.” (Hübner 138). This displays Canada’s cultural differences compared to European health safety. It is later retaliated that due to new scientific findings that it is considered safe with these GMOs and hormones. This delegates some differences that could contribute to these markets export opportunity potentials. Another example of this considering Canada’s agriculture stating, “is another contentious sectoral issue for Canadian and European officials. In fact, as CETA talks began Europe announced that Canada’s support of dairy, poultry, and egg producers was “not up for negotiation” (Mayeda 2009: B4). Agriculture, however, will be a difficult issue to ignore. The EU has repeatedly stressed its view that supply management is “an unfair competitive advantage” and made it clear that Canadian practices “could prove to be a deal breaker” (Hübner 136). These examples display that even though both countries are similar and consume the same food, they differ in regards to the significant way Canada handles their agriculture and meat. Both parties make valid points when it comes to what line should be drawn when it comes to health and safety. This shows that when trying to do business in Canada it is important to understand the regulations that the country has in order to be able to work in them.