International Economic Law Canadian Perspectives

Marking 150 years since Confederation provides an opportunity for Canadian international law practitioners and scholars to reflect on Canada’s rich history in international law and governance, where we find ourselves today in the community of nations, and how we might help shape a future in which Canada’s rules-based and progressive approach to international law gains ascendancy. This collection of essays, each written in the official language chosen by the authors, provides a thoughtful perspective on Canada’s past and present in international law, surveys the challenges that lie before us, and offers renewed focus for Canada’s pursuit of global justice and the rule of law. Part I explores the history and practice of international law, including sources of international law, Indigenous treaties, international treaty diplomacy, domestic reception of international law, and Parliament’s role in international law. Part II explores Canada’s role in international law, governance and innovation in the broad fields of economic, environmental, and intellectual property law. Part III explores Canadian perspectives on developments in international human rights and humanitarian law, including judicial implementation of these obligations, international labour law, business and human rights, international criminal law, war crimes, child soldiers, and gender. Reflections on Canada’s Past, Present and Future in International Law/Réflexions sur le passé, le présent et l’avenir du Canada en droit international demonstrates the pivotal role that Canada has played in the development of international law and signals the essential contributions the country is poised to make in the future.

Appropriate for senior undergraduate or MBA students in one- semester International Business courses. This text provides a fundamental background of the legal rules which govern the kinds of transactions regularly handled in international commerce. By explaining the practical applications of international laws and agreements, this book helps prepare future Canadian business people for working in the increasingly important global markets.

As the world economy is becoming increasingly global in nature, thefuture of Canada's welfare will directly depend on thecountry's response and reaction to a wide range of economic regimeswhich govern the international economy. This volume is an important andtimely analysis of past and current Canadian policies toward both theformal and less formal arrangements which regulate such areas asinternational trade and financial transactions, international serviceindustries, fisheries resources, and the environment. Often influencedby domestic political concerns and its relations with the UnitedStates, Canada has, as the authors point out, exhibited a high degreeof variation in its responses to these regimes. Canadian Foreign Policyand International Economic Regimes addresses a broad range of foreigneconomic policies not generally considered in the foreign policyliterature. Interdisciplinary in its approach, it will be of interestto those in political science and public policy, economics, and law, aswell as to those involved in international business.

The contributors to Corporate Citizen explore the legal frameworks and standards of conduct for multinational corporations. In a globalized world governed by domestic and international law, these corporations can be everywhere and nowhere at once, reaping financial benefits and enjoying the protections of investor-state arbitration but rarely being held accountable for the economic, environmental, and human rights harms they may have caused. Given the far-reaching power and success of the transnational corporation, and the many legal tools allowing these companies to avoid liability, how can governments protect their citizens? Broad-ranging in perspective, colourful and thought-provoking, the chapters in Corporate Citizen make the case that because the success of corporate global citizenship risks undermining national and international democratic governance, the multinational corporation must be more closely scrutinized and controlled – in the service of humanity and the protection of the natural environment.