Vol. 1, Issue # 3. April, 2020

Website : www.imec.biz Call - 416-827-5189 / (e-mail) [email protected] “ India Canada relations are too multi-faceted and people-centric to ever be in cold storage ”

By: Vipul Jani

The new High interactions. In keeping with the pleasure of joining a video intensification of cooperation Commissioner of India to social distancing norms, we have conference organized by CII and collaboration. Our bilateral Canada, His Excellency Mr. Ajay avoided face to face meetings, with Indian companies working trade in goods has grown from Bisaria took charge at a time but I do the introductory tele- in Canada. I have similarly held about $8 billion in 2015 to over when we were just waking up meetings with movers and video conferences with Indian $10 billion in 2019. Trade in to the rapidly growing threats shakers in Canada. I had a community organizations services is over C$ 4 billion. of Corona Virus. The world, wonderful start with meeting and Indian student leaders in Portfolio investments from as we know it, has changed the Hon’ble Governor General Canada. I think this style of Canada to India have jumped dramatically since then. working is a precursor to a more from US$5 billion to US$45 With all the bilateral visits efficient workplace of the future. billion in the same time. Our and personal meetings off for We can’t replace that eye contact steel and pharmaceutical exports months, how do one understand and handshake, but the video to Canada have grown. India the intricacies of Canada India call is here to stay. has become a major buyer of file, where are the bilateral • Corona has put Canadian products ranging relations headed in the short and everything else in a deep from potash to coking coal to long term ? Canada India Insight High Commissioner of India freeze, however, can you uranium. Editor Vipul Jani discussed it to Canada share positive developments There has been a massive with the High Commissioner in that indicate Canada India upsurge in number of students Mr. Ajay Bisaria an e-mail interview : relations are coming out of from India to Canada for post- • You came to Canada when I presented my credentials the cold storage it has been secondary education. With on March 01 and soon after to her. I have had detailed and in lately ? 225,000 students now, India things started closing down. candid discussions with our India Canada relations is the largest contributor of How challenging has it been colleagues in Global Affairs are too multi-faceted and international students in to get to know the Canada Canada, with Minister Navdeep people-centric to ever be in Canada. These students bring in file as you can’t meet a lot of Bains and Minister Bardish cold storage. We see a global almost $7 billion every year as Policy makers, Captains of Chagger. I had a detailed dip in traditional diplomatic tuition fees alone. We have seen Industry and Policy Think discussion with Deputy Minister activity as governments quite a spurt in PhD collaborations tanks in person right now ? for Foreign Affairs Marta rightly prioritize handling the between Canadian Universities I came to Canada in Morgan and with Canada’s Chief current pandemic. But the Indo- and Indian counterparts. We interesting times. We are all Trade Commissioner Ailish Canadian strategic partnership have similarly seen collaboration trying to adapt to re-defined Campbell. remains warm and strong. The in science and technology, work spaces and digital On the business side, I had last few years have seen an Continued on Page 9

Impact Media & Events Corporation (IMEC), in association with presents...

Supported by:

An interactive, thought-provoking Conference on Canada-India relations. Session 1 : Delegations from Canada to India & India to Canada : Beyond the photo-ops Session 2 : Realities of Today & Vision for Tomorrow

His excellency Mr. Ajay Bisaria Hon. Vic Fedeli His Excellency Mr. Anshuman Gaur Mr. David Agnew Mr. Sandeep Goel Canada India USA High Commissioner of India. Minister - Govt. of Ontario Deputy High Commissioner of India President, Seneca College President & CEO, ICICI Bank Canada Development Forum Friday, October 23, 2020. Venue : Paramount Eventspace, 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd, Woodbridge ON L4L 9T2

For Tickets / Table / Sponsorships Contact : Vipul Jani (email) [email protected] (Call) 416.827.5189 / Website: imec.biz 2 Indian Origin MPs in Canada

Gagan Sikand Liberal MP

Honourable The Honourable Liberal MP Liberal MP Conservative MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP

The Honourable Liberal MP

The Honourable Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative MP NDP MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Conservative MP Conservative MP

Raj Saini Randeep Sarai Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP Liberal MP

Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 3

the same venue. encouraging their companies to In an interview given to move out of China (according Times Now News Channel in to several news reports) and India, Steve Bannon, a very with China’s labour costs also Editorial influential US strategist, once moving upwards, this can be a - Vipul Jani very close to President Trump god-send opportunity for India ( he was also part of Trump to get it’s act together, amend administration in the first year) / tweak a few rules and attract Between the last edition among themselves what they are called Corona a “ bio-Chernobyl” global companies to shift their (March) and this one (April), doing, for so many weeks now ? moment and strongly urged manufacturing bases to India. thousands of Canadians, Indians Non stop one point bombing of nations to take on China now, On the bilateral front, and close to two hundred Corona. As they say, if you can’t before it’s too late. He called while Canada India bilateral thousand people globally have make something better, atleast Prime Minister Modi a visionary trade is going up (from $ 8 lost their lives to Corona / don’t make it worse. leader, praised his efforts billion in 2015 to $ 10 billion in Covid / Chinese Virus, what While we hear some profusely and hoped the US 2019, trade and investment pacts ever you want to call it. Being chatter about some sectors of could follow his lead. Bannon - the CEPA and BIPPA need to diplomatic about the name the economy opening up sooner also called for countries like be taken up for a time bound doesn’t change a thing. Fact is, than others, some countries USA, India, Japan, Australia discussion and completion. The people and businesses are dying becoming more liberal than the and Brazil, with possibly UK and usual fault lines still remain everywhere, everyday, with no rest in terms of relaxing norms, France joining later, to come and have to be addressed to visible consequences for either these are still very early days. together to counter China’s see real movement on other China or the WHO. President India and Canada are relatively aggressive predatory economic fronts. Corona is forcing people Trump’s withholding funding better off, if we can call it that, policies and activities (he to rethink their priorities, for WHO may actually have a as compared to Italy or Spain or compared them to the infamous appreciate what they have and completely opposite effect than UK or USA. But, this thing is not East India Company) stay away from people that may what he wished for. China may over yet. Whether such a coalition cause trouble (social distancing) fill that gap and the US will lose People are worried for takes shape or not, the present It’s time countries do the same, prominence at one more global their jobs and whether they situation can be a blessing in including Canada. platform. will get it back when things do disguise for Mr. Modi’s flagship Anyway, I don’t want to restart, Businesses are worried “ Make in India ” program. write more about the Virus as of going under for good. The new Countries like Japan are actively we are already being bombarded workplace may not be the same with a serious overdose of virus as we know it today. Companies coverage. As a Print Journalist will go for more and more for 31 years, I am appalled at automation, people will have TORONTO CANADA the carpet bombing of Corona to learn new technology and Coverage on all news channels in skills and self employment will India, Canada and USA. I mean, become a necessity, not a choice, any day, anytime, any channel, for millions of people in Canada, all they are talking about is India and everywhere else. Open to Corona Corona Corona. Have In our 3rd edition of they all gone mad collectively ? Canada India Insight, we People are already stressed out, have interviews with the new the World. depressed, looking for a break, High Commissioner of India don’t make it impossible for to Canada, with the Chief Choose from more than 170 programs. them. Economist at Canadian Chamber Each one designed with input from Is there absolutely nothing of Commerce, Guest Columns business and industry leaders and will else happening anywhere, worth and more. A You Tube Channel prepare you for success. showing for half an hour or an is also on the way where you will • 4-year bachelor’s degrees hour a day ? Nothing ? Giving be able to see the Interviews. The • 2- and 3- year workplace-ready diplomas updates is very important, but Canada India Insight Conference • 1-year career focused post-graduate certificates* what we are getting in the name in Vaughan, originally scheduled of coverage is making me sick for March 25 has now been big time. Do they never discuss rescheduled for October 23 at

Contact Us Editor & Publisher : Vipul Jani 11 Crown Victoria Drive, Brampton, Ontario L7A 3A2, Canada APPLY TODAY. (Phone) 416-827-5189 (E-mail) [email protected] (Website) www.imec.biz senecacollege.ca/international

Disclaimer : Seneca is a government approved and recognized Canada India Insight is a monthly e-publication, also printed on a quarterly basis. Articles, Guest Columns Designated Learning Institution (DLI). and Interviews published are for general information purpose only and we do not claim to provide any advice on any subject. Readers are advised to do their due diligence with regards to claims and offers made in the *Also known as graduate certificates. Articles or Advertisements. The sole purpose of this publication is to share information and knowledge vis-à- vis Canada India Trade and Overall Bilateral relations.

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Guest Column

How China weaponized its supply chain When the coronavirus emergency transitions to a post-COVID-19 economic Order, securing the critical needs of Canadians, and the supply chains that meet them will be an essential and historic undertaking By : Marcus Kolga, Kaveh Shahrooz and Shuvaloy Majumdar

In homes and hospitals true nature, gaining leverage medical devices. economy against those that across the country, Canadians over nations made vulnerable As a result, when faced seek to upend it, including the are now directly encountering by the seduction of economic with such an immediate crisis, Investment Canada Act. Matters the existential threat that supply. Across the free world, Canada’s own supply chain was of critical infrastructure, both authoritarian forces pose to Holland, Spain, Italy, Australia disrupted by China’s shutdown, physical and digital, are manifest their lives. As leaders navigate and others now contend with with grave consequences today in the national debate over public health and economic the threat of junk supplies for our frontline health care Huawei’s role in Canada’s 5G crises caused by COVID-19, our masquerading as “aid” from workers. Damningly, while network because of that Act, foreign policy establishment China, while public health President Xi Jinping tried to and establish important hurdles has opportunity to dispense systems are strained or overrun. suppress the pandemic brewing enshrined in law to secure the with ideological fantasies of Canadians are contending with in Wuhan, his senior advisors interests of Canadians. The post-nationalism, and embrace precisely these same challenges. conspired to weaponize China’s same needs to be applied when the reality that nations are This pandemic is forcing medical supply chain by it comes to the security of our comprised of citizens, borders our leaders to prioritize the draining high-quality medical drugs and medical supplies. and interests. medical security of Canadians, supplies from Western sources, As long as the critical Instead of pursuing competing for supplies with flooding desperate ones with needs of Canadians are genuine cooperation when even our closest ally, the United bad equipment, and controlling dependent on authoritarians, confronted by the virus, a global we remain at the mercy of authoritarian regimes in position in such regimes’ incompetence Beijing, Tehran and Moscow pharmaceutical or, worse, malevolence. facilitated its transmission manufacturing. Difficult days are ahead as we by concealing their failures, This represents seek to understand the new proliferating disinformation a whole new economic realities of the post- about its source, and unimaginable COVID-19 world. Canadian expending immense resources concept for national interests demand exploiting this crisis for their Canadian economic independence from exclusive economic advantage. foreign policy to authoritarians. Courtesy : scientificamerican.com They are weaponizing contend with: Authoritarians have medicine to advance their weaponized become masters at subverting standing in the world order. States. When the immediate medicine. the postwar democratic order, The implications of this emergency transitions to a Dependence on China’s while democracies have confused subversion of Canadian interests post-COVID-19 economic order, supply chains extend beyond pluralism with moral relativism are immense, and place two understanding and securing medical supply to several and equivocation. Canada should crucial objectives before our the critical needs of Canadians, products integral to our survival. now take the lead in promoting a leaders. First, Canada must and the supply chains that meet With “China and India providing democratic national interest that ensure that our vital supply them will be an essential and an estimated 80 per cent of raw boldly strengthens the bonds chains are not at the mercy of historic undertaking. ingredients of the world’s drugs,” between new and established non-democratic adversaries; The coronavirus has a full review is needed around democracies, and that builds and second, we must deepen highlighted the vulnerability the complex risks China’s resilience in vulnerable resilience and cooperation that global value chains state-run economy poses, democracies. among other democracies. (GVCs) present when non- alongside mitigation measures The Chinese government’s At the very intersection democracies exploit the rule-of- to reorder these vital economic failures were aided by uncritical of the present debate between law cooperation that underpins supply chains. There will be foils in Western media and globalization and nationalism, them. China, for example, has opportunities for economic self- apologists in international featuring economic dislocation steadily climbed the medical reliance, in how much Canadians organizations. Chinese officials and global disruption, are device GVC as a result of their can produce and manufacture continue to aggressively promote questions around the critical Made-in-China 2025 policy. One alone. There will also remain the false narratives about its origins, supply chains that cross of China’s goals is to transition need for secure supply chains, ridiculously propagating the sovereign borders. For decades, from being on the low-value- and those will need to preference myth that COVID-19 is an dictatorships in China, Russia added end to the high-value- the world’s democracies. American biological weapon. and Iran have manipulated added end of the GVC in 10 Tools are indeed available Iran’s regime, too, played a role uncritical assessments of their manufacturing sectors, including to protect the Canadian market in the growth of the epidemic

Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 5

in Canada. After Supreme chaos they have principally especially adept at delivering Canadian democratic convictions Leader Ali Khamenei directed engendered. for their citizens unsentimental in pursuit of a seat at the UN the Iranian regime to cover China has been safety alongside successful Security Council (UNSC), a up the outbreak for domestic particularly brazen, using democracy. project which has occupied an political reasons and refused this opportunity to deepen its Fortunately, established outsized obsession of the foreign to quarantine the population, control and material influence democracies have significant policy establishment. Simply put, COVID-19-positive Iranians across UN agencies, including institutional resilience in the there can be no consequential began to arrive in Canada in the World Health Organization, face of crises, balancing tensions Canadian leadership in late February. And earlier the International Civil Aviation between security and liberty. such a role, especially in the this month, the European Organization, and INTERPOL. Even in Canada, this precarious aftermath of China’s farcical Union warned that Russian The Iranian regime, too, balance demands vigilance. UNSC presidency. For all the disinformation about COVID-19 is taking advantage of this Where Prime Minister Justin investment, expertise and was putting lives at risk, while international emergency. Despite Trudeau failed, Hungary’s Viktor diplomacy that has captivated accusing Vladimir Putin’s regime refusing medical help from Orban succeeded, both pursuing Canadian leadership around of “playing with people’s lives.” Doctors Without Borders and a naked power grab in the midst this project, it has distracted In addition to suppressing the United States, it continues of this crisis. the country from guarding information about the virus’s to pressure the international This is of course not against the threat of emboldened spread in Russia, state media community for sanctions relief to say that democracies have authoritarians, and undermined platform Sputnik also promoted in the form of cash. If the past acted perfectly in the face of the our ability to advance the false narratives about the origins is any indication, it could use coronavirus pandemic. One need national interests of Canadians. that relief to fund terrorist As we rebuild, Canadians will adventures abroad. Russia is rightly insist that a democratic exploiting the pandemic and and economic logic inform our energy price war to further erode interests in a world order where EU and NATO cohesion on medicine is now weaponized. sanctions levied against Putin They would rightly insist that regime officials and kleptocrats. the supply chain decisions on Russia’s recent “aid” delivery essential matters provide for an to Italy—of which 80 per cent independent Canada. And they of coronavirus, speciously was discovered to be “useless” only look at Italy or the United would be right to insist that our suggesting that it originated in according to a recent report— States to realize that is not the leaders show resolve in standing Latvia, where Canada is leading was clearly part of what the EU’s case. However, our democratic with democratic allies against NATO’s Enhanced Forward foreign policy chief Josep Borrell allies have, in large part, the world’s principal despots Presence. identified as a “struggle for been transparent about their whose interests are so clearly in These regimes reject influence through spinning and challenges and have cooperated opposition to our own. responsibility for their role in the politics of generosity.” with Canada to limit the impact. the global spread of the virus, For all their Conversely, our adversaries have (Marcus Kolga, Kaveh unencumbered by domestic machinations, these been anything but helpful. Shahrooz and Shuvaloy accountability and obsessed with authoritarian regimes have The lesson we should draw Majumdar are senior repression and lifetime rule. a clear mission: disrupt from this experience is that fellows at the Macdonald- Rather, they have resorted to democracies and disrupt their deepening democratic resilience, Laurier Institute’s Centre igniting obvious disinformation cooperation. It is noteworthy and forging stronger bonds for Advancing Canada’s and misinformation about that some of the democracies with democratic allies, ought Interests Abroad. The the pandemic, contributing whose security is most to become central goals of our Article first appeared in to what can only be called an imperilled by neighbouring foreign policy. April Edition of MacLean’s “infodemic.” And now they authoritarianism (Israel, South This cannot be Magazine) seek to capitalize on the global Korea, and Taiwan) have been accomplished by diminishing

Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 6

Major Awards & Recognitions in Canada and India

Order of Canada

Order of Canada - Companion Order of Canada - Member Order of Canada - Officer

The Order of Canada (Recognizes national service Nominations are accepted on of votes for the candidate to was created in 1967 – Canada’s or achievement), Member an ongoing basis throughout be appointed to the Order of Centennial year – with this ( Recognizes outstanding the year. The Advisory Council Canada. A person’s appointment motto : Desiderantes Meliorem contributions at the local or for the Order of Canada is an to the Order of Canada may be Patriam (They desire a better regional level or in a special field independent advisory council terminated by the Governor country) Appointments to the of activity) that is chaired by the Chief General on the recommendation Order of Canada are made The Order of Canada is Justice of Canada. of the Advisory Council. Living for sustained achievement awarded to individuals only, It reviews all nominations non-canadians are also eligible if at three levels : Companion not to groups or couples and and transmits its decisions to their contributions have brought (Recognizes national pre- there are no posthumous the Governor General. A vote benefit or honour to Canadians eminence or international appointments. There is no is held on each nomination or to Canada. service or achievement), Officer deadline for submissions. and there must be a majority

Bharat Ratna Padma Vibhushan

Padma Bhushan

Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour in India. Introduced in 1954, Bharat Ratna is given for exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science and in recognition of public service of the highest order. There is no written provision that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to Indian citizens only.

Param Vir Chakra Padma Shree

Introduced on January 26, 1950, Param Vir Chakra is the highest Gallantry Award for officers and military personnel for exceptional valour in the presence of the enemy.

The three Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are given for outstanding service in any field. Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 7 “ Canadians will need reskilling, upskilling and skills training programs to get back to work ” By : Vipul Jani Canadian businesses medium businesses. However, CEBA to include credit unions. point soon. Available jobs and are facing an unprecedented we continue to advocate that the We encourage the government the skills required will shift. challenge right now. It’s not government consider removing to expand this to alternative Employers might increasingly about profits or bigger market payroll criteria from the program financial institutions, which look to automation to maintain share, they are fighting just to to ensure that any business many SMEs rely upon. operations during future crises survive, just to weather this that needs bridge financing can • We hear words like and reduce risk. Canadians will Corona Storm. access this desperately needed Greatest recession ever, need reskilling, upskilling and How desperate is the assistance. great depression etc. How skills training programs to get situation, where can we go from In addition, we remain severe can this be going them back to work. Education here, what will the future look concerned that defining payroll forward ? and training will also change, like for businesses big and We have a few projections including more online learning small. These are the questions already. According to the and durable skills, with a focus every business leader has on his International Monetary Fund’s on both work-integrated and or her mind right now. projections, the Canadian lifelong learning. Ensuring all To get a real sense of economy will decline 6.2% this Canadians have opportunities to what’s going on, from people in year with the global economy participate in the recovery will the know, Canada India Insight declining 3%. The uncertainty be essential for inclusive growth Editor Vipul Jani interviewed surrounding the outlook is and widespread job creation. Trevin Stratton, Chief Trevin Stratton exceptionally high though. Our When the dust settles, Economist and Vice President, Chief Economist & VP – Policy economy is expected to rebound what will the Canadian and Policy, Canadian Chamber of Canadian Chamber of Commerce once the health crisis subsides, world economy in general Commerce. Excerpts from an but the timing and strength look like and where will e-mail interview : as that provided via T4 excludes of any recovery will depend China be in that picture ? • Do you think small many entrepreneurs from on how the pandemic unfolds The reversal of decades businesses can ride over qualifying. Many small business and what measures are put in of economic globalization and this tsunami with a owners pay themselves through place to protect Canadians. The international supply chains will $ 40,000 loan from the govt dividends (T5) and have only recovery will also depend on create challenges for a trading ? Even if the markets open contractors as employees. The how consumers and businesses nation like Canada. International up in 2-3 months, which is government should expand the behave in response. Because of trade patterns and global capital far from certain at this time, definition of payroll to capture this it is very difficult to forecast flows will shift as the pandemic things will nowhere be close the ways different types of the economy with any degree of disrupts the global economy. The to normal till atleast the business calculate it. confidence. pull of protectionist policies will new year. Do you foresee Many businesses who Will this give an grow as countries look inwards a collapse for many family meet the criteria outlined excuse to companies to go to recover from COVID-19, owned, small businesses in in the program are being for even more automation, and barriers erected during the Canada ? thereby reducing crisis could be slow to come The federal government millions of jobs in the down. Restructuring will take recently expanded the eligibility coming days and years place in international tourism for the $40,000 Canada ? Where will all these and transportation sectors, Emergency Business Account people go ? and impacts will linger for (CEBA) loans to businesses denied financing. We urge the Canada’s workforce will not be attracting international students. with payrolls as low as $20K government to work closely with the same when it comes time Canadians will have to reconcile and as high as $1.5M. The Canada’s financial institutions to for recovery. In the span of our tradition of internationalism business community certainly ensure that all businesses receive one month, we went from one with a dramatically new global welcomes this announcement. the financing they need. Earlier of the tightest job markets in environment. China, like every Relaxing the payroll eligibility in this crisis, the government history to over one million job country, will have to navigate criterion is a positive step, one expanded the list of financial losses. Unemployment may not this global fragmentation. that will help more small and institutions eligible to deliver the return to pre-crisis levels at any

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Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 8 Coronavirus reminds us of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

By: Tarek Fatah

What prophets and Arabs while the rest of the world “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” aside hatred, be it political or philosophers could not achieve was carved into colonies by which is a Sanskrit phrase racial; religious or tribal. Does over centuries of preaching holy competing royal families of the found in ancient Hindu texts the virus care which side of the books read in sacred places Portuguese, Spaniards, British, such as the Maha Upanishad, civil war you are on in South of worship, a deadly virus can French, Italian, Germans and, of which means “The World is One Sudan or Somalia? The recent accomplish in a matter of mere course, the Ottoman Turks. Family.” locust attacks in East Africa months, if we let it. Only one people and one The original verse appears should’ve made the Eritreans The coronavirus land stood out in embracing all in the Upanishad and is also and Ethiopians wake up to pandemic can wake us from the found in the Rig Veda, it a common cause, if not the slumber of living as warring is considered the most universal message, but it did not. tribal, ethno-racial identities important moral value Closer to home, the delineated by the colour of our in Indian society and as hatred towards Prime Minister skin and religious conflicts going such, it is engraved in and President back many millennia. It has the the entrance hall of the Donald Trump reached potential of making us recognize Parliament of India. an unheard of pitch. One our common humanity. The COVID-19 outbreak social media user posted: “I Shakespeare tried to reminds us that in the hope Justin Trudeau dies of infuse that thought in 1599 eyes of the killer virus, Coronavirus” when he wrote, “All the world’s whether we are billionaire Unfortunately, it will a stage, and all the men and capitalists or communist be our fellow humans who women merely players,” in the cadres, black or white, will work to divide us even as Tarek Fatah pastoral comedy “As You Like politicians or padres, it both the coronavirus and the It.” One would have thought humans as one and opened its will strike as if we are one and Vedas remind us: “Vasudhaiva the Bard’s plea would have doors to both friend and foe. the same. In the eyes of the Kutumbakam,” The World is resonated among at least the Thousands of years ago, coronavirus, whether we are One Family. British, but that was not to be. Hindustan or today’s India Iranian or Italians, ayatollahs Instead, the 17th century sounded the slogan that still or atheists, we are all in its gun (Tarek Fatah is a Toronto was the harbinger of untold resonates across the length sight. Just as an army of ants. based Author, Columnist, misery where Black-skinned and breadth of the country of Have we cared for one ant over Broadcaster, Commentator. Africans were bought and sold by 400 languages, 29 states, six the other? No. Never. The Article first appeared in Christian Europeans and Muslim major religions. That slogan is Now is the time to set The Toronto Sun) Did you know? • World’s highest cricket 1950, only three lions are visible. Deputy Minister of the Trade Hyderabad and Kolkata. The ground is in Chail, Himachal The wheel appears in relief in Agreements and Negotiations Canadian High Commission in Pradesh. Built in 1893 after the centre of the abacus with Branch at , New Delhi is home to Canada’s leveling a hilltop, it is 2444 a bull on right and a horse on overseeing all of Canada’s trade largest Visa office abroad. India meters above sea level. left and the outlines of other policy and trade negotiations. is represented in Canada by a • The largest religious wheels on extreme right and left. Before joining Global Affairs High Commission in building in the world is The bell-shaped lotus from the Canada, Ms. Hillman practiced and Consulates in Toronto and Angkor Vat, a Hindu temple in original has been omitted. The Law in the private sector in . Cambodia, built at the end of the words Satyameva Jayate from and at the Department • Canada is the largest 11th century. Mundaka Upanishad, meaning of Justice in Ottawa. customer for the United States, • The state Emblem of Truth Alone Triumphs, are buying more goods from them India is an adaptation from the inscribed below the abacus in than China, Japan and UK Sarnath Lion capital of Ashoka. Devnagari script. combined. Canada is also the • Kirsten Hillman has top trading partner for most US been appointed as Canada’s states. Ambassador to the United • More than 9,000 States. Ms. Hillman has served students have received aid at as Canada’s Acting Ambassador Toronto’s Seneca College, thanks to the USA since August 2019 • Canada is represented in to $ 1.8 million provided by and was previously the Deputy India by the High Commission the College, $ 400,000 from Ambassador from August of Canada in New Delhi. Canada the student association and In the original, there are four 2017 to August 2019. Prior also has Consulates General $ 400,000 from the Ontario Lions standing back to back. In to joining the Embassy of in Bengaluru, Chandigarh Government. Seneca has also the state emblem, adopted by Canada to the US, Ms. Hillman and Mumbai, as well as trade loaned 1200 Laptops to students the Govt of India on 26 January held the position of Assistant offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai, for online learning.

Canada India Insight www.imec.biz 9

Continued from Page 1 like Production-linked initiative Minister from any country to Vancouver have helplines and ranging from polar studies (PLI), Scheme for promotion visit Ottawa after the re-election can be approached by e-mail for to space sciences. More than of manufacturing of electronics of the government here. He had addressing any specific problem 1000 Canadian companies components and semiconductors very positive meetings with the that any Indian national in are now active in India. It’s (SPECS) and Electronics Canadian Prime Minister, the Canada faces. a two-way street. Indian Manufacturing Clusters Foreign Minister and with the • This may not be a companies have invested in (EMC) 2.0 introduced by India Minister for International Trade. good time to talk about the Canada, in sectors ranging from are game changers. Several Since then, the two Ministers stalled free trade agreement pharmaceuticals to IT to auto measures had been announced have spoken to each other between Canada and India and have generated employment in our budget 2020 proposals, several times over the phone. or high level, bilateral visits for more than 18,000 Canadians like abolishing the Dividend Our Commerce and Industry etc, but can we expect any here. Distribution Tax (DDT), increase Minister was scheduled to visit real progress on that front, • As they say every in foreign portfolio investors Canada in April at the invitation anytime soon ? dark cloud has a silver limit, and lowering of corporate of the Canadian Minister for This is, in fact, a good lining. Many see this taxes, along with measures to International Trade, but the time to talk about the pending present pandemic and improve ease of doing business meeting was deferred due to trade and investment pacts, China’s current troubles to make India a more attractive COVID-19. The two Ministers the CEPA and BIPPA. We must as an opportunity for destination, particularly for have, however, spoken to each prepare for the new world Make in India to take off Canadian investments. other on phone several times. order that emerges after the in a big way. However, is In order to make the As soon as international travel COVID-19 crisis, where trade India ready to grab the investments from Canada more normalizes, we can expect to and investment would need to be opportunity by easing see several high profile bilateral revived. Our political leadership tariffs and making the visits. has already given guidance process a bit more easier As I said earlier, COVID-19 that we want to accelerate our for manufacturers and is a global crisis. Its ravages are negotiations. The differences investors ? Just the global. So its solutions need between the two sides are not emotional appeals to the to be global, collaborative. We insurmountable and focused diaspora won’t be enough to have facilitated arrangements negotiations can yield productive compete against China and of multiple evacuation flights results. Officials from both the other emerging markets ? so far from India for Canadian sides have been discussing the We are encouraging Mr. Ajay Bisaria nationals. We have been matter in video meetings even Canadian companies to look at particularly sensitive to Canada’s before the current crisis. We are India as a dependable supplier attractive, we made further needs for medical supplies. hopeful that we will make early in global value chains, as a changes in our final budget. Canadian authorities progress. destination for manufacturing Pension funds from Canada will have been actively involved • Pl tell us about and as a profitable investment now get the same benefits as in ensuring the well-being of your To Do List and how destination. The COVID-19 extended to sovereign wealth Indian students in Canada. can we Indo Canadians crisis has underlined the need funds. Our tax regime has I have personally intervened - both Individuals and to diversify supply sources. been tweaked and the pass- with Premiers and University Organizations - help ? Global supply chains emanating through for REITs/ InvITs authorities. We have been The overall agenda is from India will be more reliable with exemption from Dividend reassured that Universities quite clear. We wish to focus on and trust-worthy. To enhance Distribution Tax will also and Colleges will keep campus a strong economic blueprint- this trust, I would like to enlist continue. residences open for Indian and placing business, trade and the support of the Chambers • What kind of other international students. investment front and centre. of Commerce in Canada and assistance / help is the India is in a state of Our excellent political ties particularly of the Indo- High Commission / Indian lockdown till May 3. In Canada need to be reinforced with high Canadian business community. Missions in Canada too, the quarantine act has been level exchanges to help realize We will pursue commercial providing to people of invoked and most provinces this central objective. We need engagement more pro-actively Indian Origin in Canada have extended medical to work on the business agenda, once the crisis is over but even and Canadians working / emergency. There are no flights beginning with a focus on the now we are open for business stranded in India. In close operating to India till May 3. Our current crisis and on immediate and would be very happy to co-ordination with the advice to Indians here is to stay post pandemic times. guide and support Canadian Canadian High Commission where they are, to avoid all travel As medium term goals, business as they emerge from in New Delhi or otherwise ? and to follow the advisories and we have on our radar a bilateral the crisis and explore newer There is a sincere desire instructions of the Canadian trade agreement and an possibilities in India. to take our bilateral relations authorities. investment treaty. Technology In the new scenario, to greater heights. With the In the High Commission, and education are the areas global manufacturers, long two governments re-elected in we have established an of long-term promise. Indian settled elsewhere, are looking India and Canada, we expect automated help-desk that community could help us realize to diversify their manufacturing much forward movement. My provides answers and updated this agenda through their bases. Much groundwork has External Affairs Minister visited information to most common amazing networks, their efforts been done and new policy Canada in December 2019 with a issues that people here have. in forging business links and in changes are being made even strong message of collaboration. Our Mission in Ottawa and guiding the political process to as you print this. New schemes In fact he was the first Foreign our Consulates in Toronto and strengthen our partnership.

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