A new report from the U.S. trade representative says American businesses are concerned about the impact of Quebec’s Bill 96, which will soon require any part of a trademark featuring a generic term or product description to appear in French. (The Logic)
Talking point: Canada’s supply management system, restrictions on alcohol sales and the digital services tax have all been previously named in the annual report on foreign trade barriers. Among the new entries this year is Canada’s restrictions on single-use plastics. The report says “without viable alternatives for plastic packaging,” U.S. industry is concerned about higher food waste and lowered agricultural exports. The Online News Act and issues with a new digital system for collecting Canadian customs duties also made the list. So did allegations that Alberta’s grid operator is favouring electricity from the province. The operator, AESO, says it treats power from both sides of the border equally, but is working to increase the flow.