After the Nexen deal was approved, Prime Minister Stephen Harper framed this as the "end of a trend" not the "beginning" of a buyout frenzy by more sovereign-owned enterprises (SOEs). But this is not the end. This is the beginning of the beginning. Phone calls are already being made to launch new buyouts by foreigners here.

On December 7, Prime Minister Stephen Harper approved the first two complete takeovers of Canadian-owned energy firms by foreign state-owned companies in our country's history. The Prime Minister used sleight of hand to trick Canadians into thinking these were "exceptional" cases, to be repeated only cautiously in the future. He appeared to close the door to ownership of the tar sands by companies controlled by foreign governments. But he didn't close it at all. He left it wide open and signaled to China, Malaysia and other countries that Canada's strategic energy resources were entirely for sale, not just to the highest bidder but to any bidder at all.

OTTAWA - The spectre of the National Energy Program has struck again.During the five months the Harper government spent agonizing over the CNOOC takeo...

Beijing's representative in Ottawa says Chinese firms are not involved in foreign espionage and he challenges anyone who says otherwise to produce evi...

OTTAWA - Canada can expect a chilly reception and damaged relations with Beijing if the Harper government dents China's pride by refusing a $15.1-bill...

OTTAWA - China's ambassador in Canada is on a charm offensive, appealing to the public to look favourably on Chinese investment in the oil patch.Ambas...

Canada's intelligence service is warning Canadian businesses about the growing threat of Chinese cyber-spies. Sources have told CBC News ...

OTTAWA - The same day shareholders of a Calgary-based energy company agreed to a takeover bid by a state firm from China, Canada's spy agency is warni...