Full Biography
Jon R. Johnson is a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute. A former partner of Goodmans LLP, Mr. Johnson has had extensive experience with international trade law. Mr. Johnson was a legal advisor in Canada’s Trade Negotiation Office respecting the automotive provisions of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and he advised Canada’s Office of the Trilateral Trade Negotiations during the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”).
Mr. Johnson has advised industry associations and other clients, both in the public and private sectors, on matters involving international trade arising under the WTO and NAFTA. These have included: advising industry stakeholders in respect of WTO challenges brought against Canada regarding automotive duty remission programs and pharmaceutical patent issues and in respect of WTO challenges brought by Canada against the United States in respect of the last softwood lumber dispute ending in 2006; and advising the Federal Government in respect of a several claims brought by U.S. investors against the Federal Government under the NAFTA investment chapter. Mr. Johnson has also represented clients in antidumping and countervailing duty actions and has advised clients respecting customs matters, import and export controls and other border measures.
Mr. Johnson has been a frequent speaker on international trade issues and has organized and has participated in teaching two Masters of Law courses at Osgoode Hall Law School. Mr. Johnson was the lead trainer in a two day course in 2004 organized by MOFCOM in Beijing on WTO litigation strategy and compliance.
Mr. Johnson received the Award of Excellence in International Law from the International Section of the Ontario Bar Association on October 20, 2009.
