'Compete to Win' report says SPP too slow; promotes creation of a Canadian Competitiveness Council to set economic policy priorities

...With respect to the Security and Prosperity Partnership, Compete to Win states:

"The chief mechanism to deal with Canada–US border issues, the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), has yielded too little progress in improving crossborder flows. Indeed, Canada risks being side-swiped by the preoccupation the U.S. has with its southern border.The most recent SPP Summit confirms that little progress can be expected within a relevant time frame.

“In this context, the Panel believes that it is imperative to intensify our bilateral effort with the US, focusing on facilitating the flow of goods, services and people across the Canada–US border. If we are forced to choose between trilateral and bilateral efforts, the latter should be chosen. Enhanced public recognition of the benefits of the Canada–US trading relationship south of the border should also be part of this effort."

Among the specific recommendations in the report:

URANIUM MINING... COMPETITION... TAXATION... INTERNAL TRADE... CANADA-U.S. ECONOMIC TIES... INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT... REGULATION... COMPETITIVENESS COUNCIL...

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