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CCBC Op-Ed: “Carney’s Course on China Is the Right One — Now Let’s Build on It”

Jul 7, 2025CCBC Update

We are pleased to share a timely opinion piece by CCBC President Graham Shantz, published by National Newswatch on July 7, 2025, titled: “Carney’s Course on China Is the Right One — Now Let’s Build on It.”

 

In this article, Mr. Shantz welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent moves to recalibrate Canada’s relationship with China. He outlines the importance of sustained engagement with our second-largest trading partner and makes a compelling case for a pragmatic, interest-driven approach to economic relations with China. Here are a few quotations from the article:

 

“Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent moves to recalibrate Canada’s relationship with China signal a long-overdue and welcome shift in our foreign and trade policy. His call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the bilateral meeting between Canadian and Chinese trade ministers in Paris, and the agreement to reconvene joint economic dialogues are critical steps toward rebuilding a pragmatic and stable relationship with Canada’s second-largest trading partner. This direction is not only correct; it is essential.”

 

The article highlights specific opportunities, such as energy exports via the Trans Mountain Pipeline and the newly launched LNG Canada, as areas where Canada’s long-term prosperity is directly linked to a stable economic relationship with China.

 

“The expanded Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMX) now delivers nearly 350,000 barrels per day to Chinese buyers, potentially generating $6–7 billion annually. For context, that is nearly as much as our entire goods exports to South Korea ($7.6 billion) and more than those to India ($5 billion). Meanwhile, the newly launched LNG Canada terminal, where PetroChina is a joint venture partner, will help meet China’s surging demand for natural gas, expected to grow by 50% by 2040. These are concrete, strategic opportunities that benefit Canadians.”

 

Drawing lessons from Australia and other like-minded economies, the piece urges Canadian policymakers to prioritize the restoration of regular high level government-to-government dialogues, address barriers for Canadian exporters, and build a durable framework for trade and investment.

 

“Canada’s long-term economic resilience depends on bold, outward-looking leadership. With the right focus, we can build a China strategy that strengthens our global competitiveness, protects our sovereignty, and positions Canadian businesses to succeed in the world’s fastest-growing markets. The first steps have been taken. Now, it’s time to stay the course.”

 

Click here to read the full article published in National Newswatch.

Canada China Business Council (CCBC)