Instructions: You are an economist working for a federal government department. Note that the department for which you work is NOT designated for you. You will need to decide the most appropriate department to which you will write the briefing note. The briefing note will thus need to be tailored to the mandate of the department that you choose. The Minister of your department, who is in a minority government situation, needs to decide whether to support or not support his/her colleagues in Cabinet concerning discussions on Canada's continued collaboration with international economic institutions including increasing, decreasing, or keeping the number of free trade agreements (or even alliances) between Canada and the rest of the world unchanged. The context is as follows. The Liberal government is in a minority situation and requires the support of at least one other party. The Liberals have usually relied on the NDP for support; however, the NDP's foreign policy and economic positions are criticized by some as being "half-baked" - see articles below. As an unbiased economic policy analyst, you are asked to write (1100 words) seeking a decision from the Minister, based on your recommendations, on action regarding the support for or opposition to the Minister's colleagues in Cabinet concerning Canada's traditional support for world institutions and trade agreements/alliances. That is, does Canada continue its current collaboration with world institutions and continue engaging in free trade agreements/alliances, reduce its engagement or enhance its engagement? The three articles below provide some context. You may also want to read up on President Biden's recent visit to Canada. Your briefing note should present economic arguments based on facts and may require an extension, (which may include agreement or disagreement) of the information found in the articles. Base your recommendations on fundamental economic theory learnt in class throughout the semester. Do not shy away from addressing environmental issues, historical issues, trade issues, financial issues, and so forth, if appropriate. Of importance, your briefing note should clearly state options and your recommendation for continued engagement (status quo), increased engagement, or decreased engagement.

(Must include: Tittle, Subject, Issue, Background, Current Status, Key Considerations, Conclusion)

(Must 1100 words total)

Article 1 : https://nationalpost.com/opinion/adam-zivo-can-the-ndp-be-trusted-to-take-foreign-policy-seriously

Article 2:https://canadians.org/analysis/ndp-builds-trade-policy-montreal-convention

Article 3:https://nationalpost.com/opinion/terry-glavin-xi-jinping-takes-justin-trudeau-down-a-peg