The BSE Crisis in Canada: A Trade Perspective on Sanitary Barriers
by Laura J. Loppacher and William A. Kerr
The discovery of BSE in Canada's cattle herd on May 20, 2003 has led to lost market access for Canadian cattle and beef in many countries. The Canadian cattle industry is extremely export dependent, and the loss of almost all of major export markets has had a devastating impact. Over a year later, many of these markets have still not removed their restrictions on Canadian cattle and beef. The severity of the restrictions and their long- term continuance are far in excess of what is recommended by the international organisations that set the standards for trade in animals and animal products. This has led many in the Canadian industry to wonder why these sanitary barriers are being misused and abused. The illegitimate and legitimate reasons for creating a sanitary barrier are examined, along with the potential for abuse of trade barriers which may have been imposed for legitimate reasons. Some suggestions for what the Canadian industry should have done and what they should do now are also offered.

China's Regulation of Biotechnology - Does it Conform to the WTO?
by Laura J. Loppacher and William A. Kerr
The People's Republic of China has been working for over two decades to develop a domestic biotechnology industry. Even though China is a developing country, it is set to become a significant international player in the field of biotechnology. China's accession to the World Trade Organization in December of 2001 means that China's trade and regulatory regime should now reflect its WTO commitments. This paper outlines the development of the Chinese biotechnology industry and how it may evolve in the future. It assesses China's current approach to trade and regulation of biotechnology in relation to GATT rules on trade in goods and the TRIPS commitments pertaining to the protection of intellectual property. The conclusion is that China's trade and intellectual property regimes currently deviate considerably from WTO norms and number of trade disputes are likely to arise in the near future.

Canada and the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement:
Enhanced Opportunities or Loss of Special Status?
by May T. Yeung and William A. Kerr
Australia and the United States continue to make progress in their negotiations to establish a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, raising questions about the implications for Canada of such an agreement. New Zealand has expressed interest in negotiating a similar agreement, but the USA does not consider it a priority at this time. This study assesses the likely effects of such agreements on Canadian trade with all three countries.

The Evolving International Trade Regime for Food Safety and Environmental Standards:
Potential Opportunities and Constraints for Saskatchewan's Beef Feedlot Industry
by Chad R. Wasylyniuk, Kristal Bessel, William A. Kerr and Jill E. Hobbs

 

Shadows of a Talking Circle:
Aboriginal Advocacy Before International Institutions and Tribunals

by Dr. Charles M. Gastle

 

Innovation and Entropy Within the Global Economy:
Accelerating in a "Red Queen" Game

by Dr. Charles M. Gastle

 A paper prepared by Dr. Gastle for the Information Technology Association of Canada,
which explores the nature of innovation.