Suchergebnisse

This Perspective discusses issues raised by the new national security test for proposed investments in Canada, including the ambiguity of the "national security" term and the possibility of politicized national security reviews. The author cautions the government not to adopt an over-expansive approach to the application of the new test. The Extended Note includes a detailed summary of these amendments to the Investment Canada Act and the recently published draft regulations that provide the details of the new national security review process.

This perspective discusses issues raised by the new national security test for proposed investments in Canada, including the ambiguity of the "national security" term and the possibility of politicized national security reviews. The author cautions the government not to adopt an over-expansive approach to the application of the new test.

Canada was a major net importer of foreign direct investment (IFDI) prior to 1996. The stimulus for the surge in Canada's outward FDI (OFDI) came from profitable investment opportunities abroad. Canada has diversified significantly its OFDI away from the United States over the past 20 years. The financial crisis significantly affected Canada's FDI outflows, but OFDI seems to have rebounded in the second half of 2009. While Canadian investment has historically gone mainly to developed countries, recent changes in Government policies seem to suggest that Canada is looking to build closer ties with developing countries as well. Canada has a longstanding commitment to multilateral cooperation and actively supports the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework as a way to promote international trade and investment. At the same time, Canada continues actively to negotiate foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPAs).

Canada has actively participated in the corporate globalization process and is a major importer of foreign direct investment (FDI). Canada's high levels of inward FDI (IFDI) over the past 25 years reflect its improved business climate, reduced restrictions on foreign ownership and a prospering economy. Like other developed economies, Canada experienced declining FDI inflows in 2008 and 2009, largely due to the dramatic fall in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and the global economic recession. The outlook for 2010 and beyond however is promising because of the expected economic expansion in Canada and other countries, and improved global financial markets. Moreover, the Canadian Government has sent strong signals to foreign investors that Canada is open for business by, among other things, lifting restrictions on previously protected sectors and increasing the financial thresholds for the review of foreign investments.