Canada persists and signs: no question of leading a security intervention force to stabilize the situation in Haiti. The government will, however, inject $100 million in additional aid “to provide better police support to the Haitian National Police” and impose sanctions on two members of the elite “who profit from violence and insecurity”, said Justin Trudeau at a press conference with Joe Biden. “I’m not disappointed,” said the President of the United States, whose administration wanted to see Ottawa take command of a multilateral force. However, he remains of the opinion that action must be taken to put an end to the chaos. But “any decision surrounding the use of military force should, in our view, be made in consultation with the United Nations and the Haitian government,” insisted the tenant of the White House.
While the joint statement from Ottawa and Washington refers to China – its “economic coercion, anti-market policies, human rights abuses” – nothing epitomized its disruptive actions better than the presence of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in the galleries of the House of Commons. “I’m very happy to see the two Michaels. They were able to reunite with their families safe and sound after more than 1,000 days in detention [in China] ”, launched Joe Biden in his speech to Parliament. Ironically, the day before, in the same room, the two men were being talked about because of the allegations against MP Han Dong. Asked if he believed that, as reported by Global News, the elected official had suggested to the Chinese consul general in Toronto to delay the release of the Canadian hostages, Justin Trudeau evaded the question during the press conference. Closing. Invited to speak if he felt the need, Joe Biden remained silent.
The major transport electrification project will have consequences on energy consumption. Canada and the United States are capitalizing on advances in nuclear technologies to meet increased demand for electricity, particularly small modular reactors. Both countries want to promote its use elsewhere. “We intend to work closely with emerging nuclear markets to promote the increased use of advanced nuclear energy globally, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, security and nuclear non-proliferation,” reads a joint statement from the U.S. Department of Energy and Canada’s Department of Natural Resources.
The planned mass production of emission-free vehicles in both countries must be accompanied by a massive deployment of charging stations on both sides of the border. In this regard, Canada and the United States have agreed to harmonize charging standards and establish cross-border corridors for the supply of “alternative fuels”. Significant sums are already planned. It is expected to tap into the US 7.5 billion provided for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the United States. In Canada, we will draw on the fund of 1.2 billion already announced for the installation of a network of fast charging stations for electric vehicles.
Access to critical minerals for making electric vehicle batteries is a top priority for the Trudeau government and the Biden administration. Result: Canada and the United States commit to building a North American supply chain of critical minerals that is “robust, environmentally responsible and resilient”. “We are committed to identifying, acquiring and exploiting opportunities to mine, process, manufacture and recycle critical minerals in both countries to diversify supply chains essential to clean energy sectors, electric vehicles, semiconductors, aerospace and defense, among others. »
In the week that the United Nations has issued a warning of the “imminent risk of a global water crisis”, Canada announces that it will contribute 420 million over 10 years to preserve and restore a “common national treasure” – the Great Lakes, a source of drinking water for 40 million people. An announcement welcomed by the United States, where the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides for investments of 1 billion for the activities of cleaning and restoration of this freshwater ecosystem, the largest in the world.
