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Summary: The recent trade disputes and negotiations between the U.S. and Canada must be construed in light of a century-and-a-half-long evolution of trade relations between the two countries, profoundly marked by the mutations of American economic nationalism. In fact, Canada was for a long time more protectionist than the U.S. The main objective of this article is therefore that of contextualization: to paint a picture of the evolution of Canada-U.S. trade policies and the relationships that brings "economic nationalism" back. The main argument is that these relationships have been characterized by a constant tension between liberalization and protection, to which Canadian governments have contributed in many ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses quantitative and qualitative instruments to present an innovative content analysis of the English-language briefs presented by interest groups to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada during the 2007 consultations for the Growing Forward policy framework. Our analysis shows a proliferation in the number of actors interested in agricultural public policy as well as a diversification of their discussions, which are no longer structured solely around the idea of agricultural protectionism. Our results indicate that stakeholders' objectives in agriculture are highly fragmented, with some groups promoting an increased liberalization and other stakeholders strongly defending the recognition of the multifunctionality of agriculture. Considering these disparate pressures, the lexicographic analysis of the Canadian policy framework indicates that the Canadian government takes a balanced position between these contrasted interests while, nevertheless, putting forward arguments that are clearly in favour of greater agricultural liberalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]