Cabinet shuffle puts emphasis on border security and new markets

One concern of plastic parts manufacturers and moldmakers is that tighter security regulations, among other things, is making cross-border trade more difficult. It seems the new government is even more concerned about security, but it’s also pledging to boost trade.
It remains to be seen whether there would be tougher measures at the border that could hurt international shipments. Martin has created a new Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness but has also launched a Canada Border Services Agency, which aims to build on the government’s “smart border” initiative to expedite trade. Martin says the government will work closely with business in making these changes.
Martin also pledges to strengthen the department of International Trade to provide “centralized support for integrated federal trade” and has created a Minister of State for New and Emerging Markets, to help Canada identify new sources of trade. A new Cabinet Committee on Global Affairs promises to take “an integrated approach” to trade, foreign affairs, defence, international development, and other issues.
Plastic part manufacturers facing skills shortages may be pleased to know that Martin has split the former Human Resources Development Canada into two ministries, putting social policies into a Social Development department and creating a new Human Resources and Skills Development department, whose mandate will include promoting a “well-functioning” labour market. This department will work with Citizenship and Immigration Canada on the issue of streamlining ways to accredit workers with foreign credentials.