Skip to main content

Featured

The Historical Significance of Good Friday

Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in Christianity, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it marks the culmination of Holy Week and serves as a day of reflection, mourning, and reverence. Historically, Good Friday traces back to the early Christian church, when believers honored Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. According to biblical accounts, Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. His execution, believed to have occurred around A.D. 30, is seen as the ultimate act of redemption, paving the way for salvation in Christian theology. The name "Good Friday" may seem paradoxical, given the suffering endured by Jesus. However, the term "good" in this context is understood to mean "holy" or "pious," signifying the sacred nature of the day. Across the world, Christians observe Good Friday through fasting, prayer, and special c...

article

Ottawa to Remove Federal Exceptions from Canadian Free Trade Agreement

 

In a significant move to bolster interprovincial trade, the Canadian government has announced the removal of more than half of its federal exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). This decision, spearheaded by Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand, aims to reduce internal trade barriers and enhance economic cooperation across provinces.

The CFTA, established in 2017, was designed to modernize the Agreement on Internal Trade and facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and labor within Canada. However, numerous exceptions have hindered its effectiveness. The federal government initially had 56 exceptions, but with the recent removal of 20 more, the total now stands at 19.

The majority of the removed exceptions pertain to government procurement, providing Canadian businesses with greater opportunities to compete nationwide. This action is expected to lower prices, boost productivity, and add up to $200 billion to the domestic economy.

Minister Anand emphasized the importance of mutual recognition of rules across provinces to streamline labor mobility and reduce regulatory burdens. The federal government is encouraging provinces and territories to follow suit and eliminate their own trade barriers.

This announcement comes at a critical time, as Canada faces potential trade disruptions from the United States. By strengthening internal trade, Canada aims to become less reliant on its southern neighbor and build a more resilient domestic economy.

The Committee on Internal Trade will review the federal changes and continue working with provinces to improve internal trade. More announcements are expected in the coming weeks as Canada strives to create a more open and efficient domestic market.



Comments