(CBC)
The Food and Drug Administration’s new chief promised Thursday to crack down on food and drug companies that break the law, as the agency tries to regain its footing after a string of high-profile safety problems.
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said her agency must act more swiftly and aggressively against companies that don’t meet safety standards.
In recent years, the agency’s efforts “have been hampered by unreasonable delays” that allowed safety violations to go unaddressed, Hamburg told an audience of food and drug industry lawyers.
The FDA has struggled for years to keep up with its rising responsibilities to oversee health care and food products. Since early 2008, the agency has been criticized for its handling of tainted peanut butter that sickened hundreds, contaminated blood thinners imported from China linked to deaths, and an investigation into a salmonella outbreak that dragged on for weeks before peppers were identified as the culprit. Read more here.
Friday, August 7, 2009
NAFTA Leaders Urged to Rein In “Buy Local” Impulses
(Reuters-NYT)
North American business groups urged leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada on Friday to rein in “buy local” provisions they called a threat to free trade and economic growth.
“In this global economic downturn, it is imperative that the three countries work together more intensively than ever to make the most of their strengths and set the stage for robust and sustained economic recovery,” the North American Competitiveness Council said.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon will host U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday and Monday in Guadalajara for an annual meeting of North American leaders.
The advisory group made up of leading U.S., Mexican and Canadian business associations had its sternest advice for Obama, who they urged direct his administration to “clarify its intent and interpretation” of Buy American provisions passed as part of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill.
Obama, responding to an international outcry over the measure, persuaded Congress to exempt free-trade partners like Canada and Mexico from the strict requirement that public works projects funded by the bill use only U.S.-made goods. Read more here.
North American business groups urged leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada on Friday to rein in “buy local” provisions they called a threat to free trade and economic growth.
“In this global economic downturn, it is imperative that the three countries work together more intensively than ever to make the most of their strengths and set the stage for robust and sustained economic recovery,” the North American Competitiveness Council said.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon will host U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday and Monday in Guadalajara for an annual meeting of North American leaders.
The advisory group made up of leading U.S., Mexican and Canadian business associations had its sternest advice for Obama, who they urged direct his administration to “clarify its intent and interpretation” of Buy American provisions passed as part of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill.
Obama, responding to an international outcry over the measure, persuaded Congress to exempt free-trade partners like Canada and Mexico from the strict requirement that public works projects funded by the bill use only U.S.-made goods. Read more here.
Highway 402 Single Lane Mitigation Plan
(BWBC)
August 6, 2009 meeting with Blue Water Bridge Canada, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ontario Provincial Police Blue Water Bridge Canada (BWBC) together with its partners U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) met today (Thursday, August 6th) in an effort to work together to help mitigate, as much as possible any delays and safety issues as it relates to traffic approaching the Blue Water Bridge. Due to Sarnia City Council’s decision not to grant a noise exemption to the Ministry of Transportation for night work, the Highway will at times be single lane to allow construction of the Highway 402 Phase One Improvements.
“Blue Water Bridge Canada and the Michigan Department of Transportation are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with the local O.P.P., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the local, regional and national level” states Stan Korosec Vice President of Operations for Blue Water Bridge Canada. “Today we came up with a plan to help mitigate the type of delays experienced on Tuesday August 4th due to the single lane of traffic.
In addition to the constant communication that occurs daily between BWBC and CBP, new protocols were developed with respect to lane allocations and traffic management that we feel will help to ensure the safe and efficient flow of both cars and trucks at this vital trade link between Canada and the United States. Although these steps will assist in the safe and efficient flow of traffic, there will still be periods where extensive queues of traffic will exist.”
August 6, 2009 meeting with Blue Water Bridge Canada, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ontario Provincial Police Blue Water Bridge Canada (BWBC) together with its partners U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) met today (Thursday, August 6th) in an effort to work together to help mitigate, as much as possible any delays and safety issues as it relates to traffic approaching the Blue Water Bridge. Due to Sarnia City Council’s decision not to grant a noise exemption to the Ministry of Transportation for night work, the Highway will at times be single lane to allow construction of the Highway 402 Phase One Improvements.
“Blue Water Bridge Canada and the Michigan Department of Transportation are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with the local O.P.P., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the local, regional and national level” states Stan Korosec Vice President of Operations for Blue Water Bridge Canada. “Today we came up with a plan to help mitigate the type of delays experienced on Tuesday August 4th due to the single lane of traffic.
In addition to the constant communication that occurs daily between BWBC and CBP, new protocols were developed with respect to lane allocations and traffic management that we feel will help to ensure the safe and efficient flow of both cars and trucks at this vital trade link between Canada and the United States. Although these steps will assist in the safe and efficient flow of traffic, there will still be periods where extensive queues of traffic will exist.”
Premiers Back Harper on Fight Against Buy America Policy
(Toronto Star)
Canada’s premiers are firmly behind Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his bid to counter protectionist trade policies being adopted in the U.S.
In a rare show of unity, premiers of all political stripes yesterday vowed to help Harper as he fights the so-called Buy America provisions being applied by American state and local governments that prevent Canadian companies from bidding on projects funded by President Barack Obama’s $787 billion (U.S.) stimulus package.
Harper is to meet with Obama on Sunday in Mexico, and with the premiers’ endorsement in hand, he is expected to tell the president Canada is ready to move ahead in the effort to neutralize the Buy America problem. This will lay the groundwork, sources say, for International Trade Minister Stockwell Day to send a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk next week indicating that Ottawa is ready to begin bilateral negotiations aimed at solving the issue.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said it’s essential the premiers give Harper a “strong hand” for the meeting with the U.S. president and Mexican President Felipe Calderon in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“We cannot escape our interdependence. This is an era of globalization. We’re in this together,” McGuinty said at the annual Council of the Federation meeting.
“The appeal that we have to make to our American cousins is one based on their enlightened self-interest,” said the Ontario Liberal. Read more here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
TAHOCO: New Appointment
(Kim Host — VP & General Manager, TAHOCO)
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pearl Szewczyk to the position of Assistant Manager.
Pearl’s initial focus will be implementation of Smart Border, training staff on SB, and UAP set up. Pearl also has experience in setting customers up on direct ACH payments to CBP, as well as Periodic Monthly Statements, not to mention extensive post-entry experience.
Once SB comes into effect (projected for month end), Pearl will be handling the on-call responsibilities as needed for TAHOCO clients.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pearl Szewczyk to the position of Assistant Manager.
Pearl’s initial focus will be implementation of Smart Border, training staff on SB, and UAP set up. Pearl also has experience in setting customers up on direct ACH payments to CBP, as well as Periodic Monthly Statements, not to mention extensive post-entry experience.
Once SB comes into effect (projected for month end), Pearl will be handling the on-call responsibilities as needed for TAHOCO clients.
US-African Trade
(BBC News)
Since it was initiated in 2000, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) has done wonders for trade between America and Africa. Its proponents point to its successes: a 300% increase in trade and the creation of 300,000 African jobs.
But sceptics are more cautious. About 80% of all African exports come in the form of oil - something the US was never going to do without. And most of the non-oil exports come from a handful of southern African nations, which have boosted their clothing and textile trade with America.
Even these gains are now under threat. There is a plan before the Obama administration to expand the preferential trade terms in Agoa to other developing states. This is being fiercely resisted by Washington’s vocal African-American lobby.
This issue is critical, but so too is the question of American subsidies to its farmers. It undercuts African farmers, making it impossible for them to compete in international markets. But here the US has so far dug in its heels.
Since it was initiated in 2000, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) has done wonders for trade between America and Africa. Its proponents point to its successes: a 300% increase in trade and the creation of 300,000 African jobs.
But sceptics are more cautious. About 80% of all African exports come in the form of oil - something the US was never going to do without. And most of the non-oil exports come from a handful of southern African nations, which have boosted their clothing and textile trade with America.
Even these gains are now under threat. There is a plan before the Obama administration to expand the preferential trade terms in Agoa to other developing states. This is being fiercely resisted by Washington’s vocal African-American lobby.
This issue is critical, but so too is the question of American subsidies to its farmers. It undercuts African farmers, making it impossible for them to compete in international markets. But here the US has so far dug in its heels.
SME Says Manufacturing Will be the Miracle That Will Boost the Economy
(IndustryWeek)
Mark C. Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, wants to spread the good news. He issued the following statement:
“Month after month of depressing economic news has many hoping for a miracle to return the U.S. economy to its former glory. This miracle, however, won’t be found on Wall Street or on Pennsylvania Avenue.
“The miracle lies in U.S. innovation and manufacturing. After a decade of bankers gone wild, America needs create real wealth by making things rather than selling complex derivatives in the markets.
“The service and financial sectors just redistribute existing wealth. The twin powers of innovation and manufacturing actually create wealth. It goes back to Economics 101: wealth is created by taking materials of relatively low value and transforming them into products of considerable value. In other words, wealth comes from making things.
“U.S. manufacturing contributes more than $1.6 trillion to our GDP, and if it stood alone, it would rank as one of the top ten largest economies in the world. Despite continuing reports of its decline, U.S. manufacturing may be down, but it’s definitely not out. By far, the U.S., not China, is the world’s leading manufacturer by value of goods produced, and for every $1 of value produced in China, America generates $2.50. Read more here.
Mark C. Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, wants to spread the good news. He issued the following statement:
“Month after month of depressing economic news has many hoping for a miracle to return the U.S. economy to its former glory. This miracle, however, won’t be found on Wall Street or on Pennsylvania Avenue.
“The miracle lies in U.S. innovation and manufacturing. After a decade of bankers gone wild, America needs create real wealth by making things rather than selling complex derivatives in the markets.
“The service and financial sectors just redistribute existing wealth. The twin powers of innovation and manufacturing actually create wealth. It goes back to Economics 101: wealth is created by taking materials of relatively low value and transforming them into products of considerable value. In other words, wealth comes from making things.
“U.S. manufacturing contributes more than $1.6 trillion to our GDP, and if it stood alone, it would rank as one of the top ten largest economies in the world. Despite continuing reports of its decline, U.S. manufacturing may be down, but it’s definitely not out. By far, the U.S., not China, is the world’s leading manufacturer by value of goods produced, and for every $1 of value produced in China, America generates $2.50. Read more here.
Obama’s Arrival Sets North American Integration Adrift
(Embassy)
U.S. President Barack Obama officially takes his place as one of the so-called Three Amigos during the North American leaders’ summit in Mexico this weekend. Yet he will be joining a trilateral alliance that has been in a state of virtual hibernation since his predecessor, George W. Bush, left the scene.
Instead, he and counterparts Stephen Harper and Felipe Calderon will be confronting the reality of a continental alliance adrift and in sore need of political direction and leadership.
With the Bush-era Security and Prosperity Partnership having largely petered out from a lack of direction and a toxic public image, the leaders have a chance to reinvigorate or reinvent the trilateral alliance.
But with three distracted leaders of questionable compatibility, and an apparent lack of a grand vision for the way forward, the future of this forum—and North American integration in general—remains far from certain. […]
Liberal Foreign Affairs critic Bob Rae cautioned against aggressively pursuing continental integration at a time when the “American Congress is in a deeply protectionist mood.”
Pointing to Canada-U.S. trade disputes such as softwood lumber, black liquor and COOL, as well as immigration concerns related to Mexico, he said: “It’s pretty hard to talk about integration when there are such significant barriers to flow of people and of goods and services among the countries.” Read more here.
U.S. President Barack Obama officially takes his place as one of the so-called Three Amigos during the North American leaders’ summit in Mexico this weekend. Yet he will be joining a trilateral alliance that has been in a state of virtual hibernation since his predecessor, George W. Bush, left the scene.
Instead, he and counterparts Stephen Harper and Felipe Calderon will be confronting the reality of a continental alliance adrift and in sore need of political direction and leadership.
With the Bush-era Security and Prosperity Partnership having largely petered out from a lack of direction and a toxic public image, the leaders have a chance to reinvigorate or reinvent the trilateral alliance.
But with three distracted leaders of questionable compatibility, and an apparent lack of a grand vision for the way forward, the future of this forum—and North American integration in general—remains far from certain. […]
Liberal Foreign Affairs critic Bob Rae cautioned against aggressively pursuing continental integration at a time when the “American Congress is in a deeply protectionist mood.”
Pointing to Canada-U.S. trade disputes such as softwood lumber, black liquor and COOL, as well as immigration concerns related to Mexico, he said: “It’s pretty hard to talk about integration when there are such significant barriers to flow of people and of goods and services among the countries.” Read more here.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
PIP-C-TPAT Harmonization Challenges
(CBSA-IE Canada)
CBSA’s Director, Program Division Writes to I.E.Canada…
Following is an extract from CBSA Program Director Claude St.Denis’ recent letter to I.E.Canada president Mary Anderson regarding the current problems implementing a seamless interface between the C-TPAT and PIP security programs:
We understand that industry’s original expectations were that mutual recognition would mean that a company would be able to apply to one and receive membership in both. We believe that this concept between Canada and the U.S. makes sense. Mutual recognition was, however, accomplished with the U.S. in accordance with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards and the Authorized Economic Operator concept, and how the U.S.’s C-TPAT program wanted to proceed. Under this concept, programs that have reached mutual recognition remain separate and companies must continue to apply for membership into each separate program. Essentially, mutual recognition assures that both countries have similar minimum security requirements, similar site validations practices, and offer similar benefits.
That being said, we have a very strong working relationship with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its Customs and Trade Partnership against Terrorist (C-TPAT) program. Consultations are ongoing to streamline and standardize the two programs. For example, PIP and C-TPAT are working together to develop a unified site validation report. This will provide a strong foundation upon which to harmonize C-TPAT and PIP.
As mentioned... a critical component of harmonization is the development and implementation of a web portal. To this end, the PIP program recently developed a high level business requirements document leveraging C-TPAT’s web portal requirements. All options were considered, including using C-TPAT’s web portal, and it was determined through this analysis that PIP would be required to develop its own web portal. The PIP program is currently seeking funding for the web portal. Once funding is allocated, industry will be consulted on the design of the portal. At this time, and given that we are seeking funding, we are unable to provide specifics in terms of strategies and timeframes surrounding harmonization.
We have taken note of your recommendation that we immediately harmonize the PIP/C-TPAT application forms. Our automated solution and application processing is dependant on our current application form format. Modifying it would require significant changes to our recently developed system for the PIP program’s modernization. Given the investment required to make these changes, and that harmonization with C-TPAT is potentially on the horizon, and the risks associated with system changes, the CBSA has deemed it preferable at this time to wait until we can build a web portal to develop a unified application. Furthermore, the current PIP/C-TPAT applications, although different in structure, have significant similarities.
Read the complete letter here (PDF).
CBSA’s Director, Program Division Writes to I.E.Canada…
Following is an extract from CBSA Program Director Claude St.Denis’ recent letter to I.E.Canada president Mary Anderson regarding the current problems implementing a seamless interface between the C-TPAT and PIP security programs:
We understand that industry’s original expectations were that mutual recognition would mean that a company would be able to apply to one and receive membership in both. We believe that this concept between Canada and the U.S. makes sense. Mutual recognition was, however, accomplished with the U.S. in accordance with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards and the Authorized Economic Operator concept, and how the U.S.’s C-TPAT program wanted to proceed. Under this concept, programs that have reached mutual recognition remain separate and companies must continue to apply for membership into each separate program. Essentially, mutual recognition assures that both countries have similar minimum security requirements, similar site validations practices, and offer similar benefits.
That being said, we have a very strong working relationship with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its Customs and Trade Partnership against Terrorist (C-TPAT) program. Consultations are ongoing to streamline and standardize the two programs. For example, PIP and C-TPAT are working together to develop a unified site validation report. This will provide a strong foundation upon which to harmonize C-TPAT and PIP.
As mentioned... a critical component of harmonization is the development and implementation of a web portal. To this end, the PIP program recently developed a high level business requirements document leveraging C-TPAT’s web portal requirements. All options were considered, including using C-TPAT’s web portal, and it was determined through this analysis that PIP would be required to develop its own web portal. The PIP program is currently seeking funding for the web portal. Once funding is allocated, industry will be consulted on the design of the portal. At this time, and given that we are seeking funding, we are unable to provide specifics in terms of strategies and timeframes surrounding harmonization.
We have taken note of your recommendation that we immediately harmonize the PIP/C-TPAT application forms. Our automated solution and application processing is dependant on our current application form format. Modifying it would require significant changes to our recently developed system for the PIP program’s modernization. Given the investment required to make these changes, and that harmonization with C-TPAT is potentially on the horizon, and the risks associated with system changes, the CBSA has deemed it preferable at this time to wait until we can build a web portal to develop a unified application. Furthermore, the current PIP/C-TPAT applications, although different in structure, have significant similarities.
Read the complete letter here (PDF).
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