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...

Posted by Michael Woods on May 16, 2014

Michael Woods and Gordon LaFortune are very pleased to announce that Catherine Walsh has joined the Woods, LaFortune LLP team.  Catherine is a graduate of both the Faculty of Law (LL.B) and the Telfer School of Management (MBA)  at the University of Ottawa and also holds a B.Scs. from that institution.  Bringing a strong grounding in international business and law combined with a passion for international trade and investment law, Catherine will assist our clients on a wide range of matters from trade remedies and export controls and sanctions to the promotion, planning, and successful execution of international business ventures  Catherine articled at Heenan Blaikie LLP, where she worked on major trade files and gained in-depth experience in areas such as  anti-dumping and countervailing duties , investor-state arbitration, international infrastructure (P3s), and economic sanctions. Singled out for her advocacy and networking skills and chosen to work on government affairs files and gain valuable lobbying experience.   Prior to beginning her legal career, Catherine served with multinational company as  corporate sales executive responsible the management of a large client portfolio.  Fully bilingual (French/English), Catherine brings youth and energy to the firm in her role as...

Posted by Michael Woods on Apr 28, 2014

I recently heard from a good friend from my days in Canada’s Foreign Service (he is an Ambassador serving in the Asia Pacific region) He told me that he had heard my recent interview on free trade. This made me think that it might be worth sharing. In any event, late last year, my partner Gordon LaFortune and I were interviewed by Jackie Northam of National Public Radio (NPR). Ms. Northam made the trip up to Ottawa from her post in Washington DC to discuss the then upcoming 20th anniversary of the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and to record our views for her “All Things Considered” radio program. As it turned out, it was also the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Canada – U.S. Free Trade Agreement (commonly known as the “FTA”). Gord and I spent a delightful couple of hours with our quest at the Rideau Club looking out at the historic Parliament Buildings against the backdrop of a clear bright wintery day in the nation’s capital. There was plenty to discuss and several great memories. The report is available in both print and audio format, as well as on this website: www.npr.org Ms. Northam also interviewed a number of others and started her report on the difference that free trade agreements had made for one of Canada’s leaders in international business, Bombardier. As she noted, we were there at the “ground floor’’ as trade negotiators for the Government of Canada when our country decided to pursue free trade with our closest neighbours, the US. Gord and I spoke of the “fear of the unknown”, the need to step up and the need to show that we could be competitive. And so, we relived the great national debate with our guest. Now 25 years later, we can reflect on the FTA and NAFTA legacy. Of course the topic of free trade continues to engender much debate. The consideration of how much GDP growth in the “Three Amigos” and the tripling of trade flows in the last two decades being due to NAFTA is a subject for a much more detailed review....

Posted by Michael Woods on Apr 23, 2014

Michael Woods and Gordon LaFortune are very pleased to announce that Mr. Paul IA  Moen is now part of the Woods, LaFortune LLP team, joining as counsel. Based in Ottawa, Paul is a corporate lawyer and international business consultant with over 20 years of experience serving businesses and governments on a variety of complex legal, regulatory and public affairs matters. Paul will add greatly to the firm’s reach, depth and expertise. Paul, who retains his position as CEO of MoenGlobal Advisors, brings an impressive global network and senior private sector and government experience. He obtained his BA in political science from the University of British Columbia, a law degree from McGill University and a MA in international affairs from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva. He is a member of the Bar of Ontario, a published author and lecturer, and a board member of the Canadian American Business...

Posted by Michael Woods on Mar 21, 2014

Michael Woods and Gordon LaFortune are pleased to announce the formation of Woods, LaFortune LLP, a full service international trade law boutique based in Canada’s national capital, Ottawa.  Michael and Gordon are both recognized experts in international trade law.  Gordon is listed in Who’s Who Legal 2013 as an expert in procurement law and trade and customs law.  Michael is once again ranked in Chambers Global’s in its 2014 listing as a leading international trade lawyer. In June 2013 Michael received the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in International Law. Building on their over 60 years’ experience in all aspects of international trade law, Michael and Gordon established Woods, LaFortune LLP in January 2014.  Working through a strong and large network of specialists in international trade and investment in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Woods, LaFortune LLP provides clients with timely, efficient and cost effective strategic advice and representation in all aspects of international trade law ranging from customs, to litigation, to government relations. If you have a trade or investment issue to discuss or opportunity to weigh, you should contact either Michael or Gordon by phone or e-mail for help and guidance.  Woods, LaFortune LLP would be please to work with you to address any issues and to resolve them as quickly and efficiently as...