Posted by Woods LaFortune LLP on Jul 2, 2014

On June 19th, Paul Moen and Michael Woods participated in the Canada America Business Council (CABC) Roundtable with newly appointed United States Ambassador Bruce Heyman. This was a great opportunity to join Ambassador Heyman and leaders from the Canadian business community in an informal, insightful, and off the record review of both issues of the day and the “longer view” in Canada- U.S. commercial relations. Woods, LaFortune LLP is proud to be a member of the CABC and we were happy to be able to add our views during the roundtable discussion. As both our national holidays are days apart in July, this is a time to remember that Canada and the United States enjoy the single largest trade relationship in the world. With our increasingly integrated market, annual two-way trade is now over $645 Billion – over $1.2 Million in goods and services cross the border every minute. When Catherine Walsh and Michael Woods attended a reception earlier this June in honour the North Dakota Lieutenant Governor and a visiting trade delegation form his state, we were reminded that 35 of the 50 states count Canada as their number one trade partner. This includes North Dakota with annual two way trade of over $5 Billion. As we reflect upon having the opportunity to greet Ambassador Heyman, meet new friends from North Dakota, and both Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day, we recall the words of President John F. Kennedy: Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put...

Posted by Woods LaFortune LLP on Jul 2, 2014

Catherine Walsh and Michael Woods were invited to join senior members of the Ottawa business community for an informal discussion of the importance of maintaining and building Canada’s economic and trade competitiveness both internationally and at home. The invitations were from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Woods, LaFortune is an active member of the Chamber and was also proud to participate as a team at the Chamber’s International Trade Day in...

Posted by Woods LaFortune LLP on Jul 2, 2014

As a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), Michael Woods participated in the annual dinner of the Board on June 11th followed by a Board meeting, FITT’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) the next day. The AGM featured the introduction of the latest to qualify for FITT’s Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. Export Development (EDC) Canada President and CEO, Benoit Daignault, delivered an insightful speech at the AGM luncheon on the importance of international trade to Canada and to all Canadians. FITT was established in 1992 as part of Canada’s sector council initiative. Since its start FITT has been committed to developing and providing quality training programs, resources and professional credentials designed to prepare individuals and businesses to compete successfully in international trade. Under its president, Caroline Tompkins, FITT has evolved into a successful a not-for-profit company dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. FITT offers the only international business training programs and related professional designation (CITP) endorsed by the World Trade Centers Association and the Government of Canada. For more about FITT and the best way to obtain CITP training and certification, please see the FITT website:...

Posted by Woods LaFortune LLP on Jul 2, 2014

Gordon LaFortune, Michael Woods, and Catherine Walsh had the honour of attending a reception at the Embassy of China that was held on June 17th . The event marked the recent arrival of China’s new ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Lou Zhaohui. The event Was well attended and Canada was represented by Minister Gail Shea ( Fisheries) and Minster Alice Wong. (Minister of State). China is Canada’s second largest trading partner – in 2012, two-way trade totalled over $70.1 Billion. In his speech, Ambassador Lou Zhaohui spoke of the importance of our bilateral relationship and the need to continue to help it grow. He indicated that he looked forward to increased two way investment and expressed the hope that the Canada-China Foreign Interment Protection Agreement would be ratified soon. (Please see upcoming articles on the Canada-China FIPA). The WL team all offered our best wishes to the Ambassador for a successful and enjoyable posting, The Woods, LaFortune is look forward to continue to work with our clients in both countries in helping to maintain the important growth in the Canada – China...