Dear Members & Friends of the Chamber

The strength of the Canada-UK relationship has been a recent feature of high-level meetings between politicians from both countries. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street, noting that the ties between the two countries are closer than ever, including deep co-operation on trade and defence. Anita Anand, Canada's Minister for Foreign Affairs, in a meeting with Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, discussed the deep concern over the evolving conflict in the Middle East, along with its impact on global energy markets and energy security. And just yesterday, meeting on the margins of the 14th WTO Conference, Maninder Sindhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, and Chris Bryant, the UK's Minister of State (Minister for Trade), continued the discussion on the theme of the importance of strengthening Canada-UK trade and security ties.

With trade and markets at the forefront of the news cycle, our focus in this edition then turns to International Trade, with articles including the Joint Ministerial Statement from the EU and the CPTPP from the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in support of rules-based trade, and the multilateral trading system to ensure it is able to respond to current challenges. We also feature the UK nearing a key agreement with the EU 'to ease post-Brexit trade friction', and ASEAN and Canada expecting to finalise a free trade pact this year. Blair McDougall, Minister for Economic Transformation, is quoted as saying regarding the re-domiciliation regime that this 'is a clear signal that the UK is open for business. For too long, the complexity and cost of moving to the UK has been a barrier for companies wanting to be here'. It is hoped it will be simpler and cheaper for overseas companies to move their place of incorporation to the UK. And last but not least, articles on Canada's exporters adapting amid a complex global trade environment, one that may or may not have the US remaining in an amended USMCA deal with Canada and Mexico after 2026.

Event News

In March, we held two events in Toronto - an Economic Outlook for Canada breakfast roundtable sponsored by S&P Global, where we examined Canada’s AAA sovereign rating, the economic environment, export diversification, and other key trends as Q1 comes to an end, and the next day we hosted a networking evening with Trowbridge Tax Corporation at their Toronto offices. A big thank you to everyone who supported these events, and to our sponsors S&P Global and Trowbridge. We plan to return to host more events in the summer and autumn. During April to June, we have a number of events already scheduled and being promoted including the annual joint chambers International Wine, Beer, & Spirits evening at Drapers' Hall (April 20), our AGM and Lunch at the House of Lords (May 22), Annual Golf Day (May 28), 17th Annual Canadian Chief Economists' panel debate and lunch (June 10). Many more events are being added including a Member Networking night we are finalising for May 7. Do check our website regularly at www.canada-uk.org 

Member News

This month, we offer a warm welcome to our newest members Steptoe LLP a- a leading international law firm with deep expertise in cross-border contentious, regulatory and transactional matters - and Maple Lion Limited - helping Canadian SME manufacturers expand into the UK without the costs usually associated with building an international sales channel. See below for further details. 

Success Stories 

We are always on the look-out for bilateral commercial success stories, such as QuadReal acquiring a UK self-storage portfolio, and forming a £480m joint venture partnership with Clear Sky, Montreal-based clothing brand Garage launching its storefronts in the UK, Brookfield and La Caisse agreeing a C$9bn takeover of Boralex, and Premium Scottish spirits brand Rutland Square Spirits entering Ontario's multi-billion-dollar market. If you have any you’d like to bring to our attention, then drop us a line at: info@canada-uk.org

We thank you for your continued support. We are here to assist with events ideas, introductions and referrals.

Happy networking and enjoy the holiday break when it comes.

Izzy, Malika, Charlie & Nigel
Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce

S U B M I T   Y O U R   N E W S   T O   B E   I N C L U D E D   I N   T H E   N E X T  C H A M B E R   N E W S L E T T E R 

QuadReal acquires 27-asset UK self storage portfolio and forms £480M joint venture partnership with Clear Sky

Canadian clothing brand Garage opens store on London's Oxford Street

Brookfield, La Caisse agree a C$9bn takeover of Boralex

Canadian billionaire Stephen Smith buys £300mn stake in the Economist

Welcome to our Newest Members: Steptoe LLP

Steptoe LLP is pleased to join the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to supporting its activities.  Steptoe is a leading international law firms with deep expertise in cross-border contentious, regulatory and transactional matters.  We are particularly experienced in dealing with government-facing and complex regulatory disputes, including antitrust/competition, sanctions, international trade, EU, UK, US and Canadian regulatory compliance and investigations, data and privacy issues, white collar defence, and international commercial and treaty disputes and enforcement.  From our London office, and drawing on expertise from our Brussels, US and China-based offices, Steptoe provides multi‑jurisdictional and cross‑border legal counsel for organisations and individuals worldwide.

Steptoe’s lead representative for the Chamber in London is partner Christophe Bondy.  A Canadian national, Christophe has been based in the UK since 2015.  Prior to that he spent eight years based in Ottawa as Senior Counsel and Deputy Director of Canada’s Trade Law Bureau, where he successfully defended Canada in multiple international proceedings and was counsel in the negotiations for the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), as well as in trade and investment agreement negotiations around the world.  He has testified on international trade issues to the UK House of Commons and House of Lords, and has advised Canadian officials up to the highest levels of government.  Among other mandates, Christophe has ensured Steptoe’s registration as a preferred supplier on the UK Department of Trade and Industry’s international investment disputes panel.  Christophe brings unique insight and knowledge on the interaction between the Canadian and the UK economies, regulatory and trade systems, and cross-border commercial and investment disputes. 

Steptoe looks forward to engaging with members of the Chamber and supporting businesses exploring opportunities across the UK, Canada, and beyond. The London team would be delighted to connect with Chamber members seeking legal insight, cross‑border guidance, or strategic support in navigating today’s complex global environment.

 https://www.steptoe.com/en/offices/london.html

Maple Lion Limited

I’m delighted to join the Canada UK Chamber of Commerce and to introduce both myself and Maple Lion™ Limited. Although I was born in North Yorkshire, England, I now consider myself an honorary Newfoundlander after being initiated in a memorable “screech in” ceremony — an experience that left me with a genuine affection for Canada and its people.

I founded Maple Lion™ to help Canadian SME manufacturers expand into the UK without the costs usually associated with building an international sales channel. Many companies face significant investment in infrastructure, personnel, and market knowledge when entering a new market. Maple Lion™ offers a dynamic, focused, and cost effective alternative, providing market research, trade strategy, regulatory guidance, and early stage product introduction through our own UK based warehousing and distribution facility. With the Canada UK Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allowing over 98% of Canadian goods to enter the UK tariff free, the opportunity for exporters has never been stronger.

I’ve joined the Chamber to widen awareness of Maple Lion’s services and to connect with members who have experience and contacts within the Canadian SME manufacturing community. I’m very much looking forward to meeting fellow members, sharing insights, and contributing to the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to strengthen commercial ties between Canada and the UK.

U S E F U L   C O N T A C T S

If you prefer not to receive any further emails from us, you can unsubscribe here