OTTAWA - Several prominent lawyers are urging Ottawa to bolster federal units that manage trade issues, arguing they are under strain amid a surge of activity fuelled in part by a United States tariff war.

In a letter to the Finance Department ahead of the coming fall budget, the Canadian international trade and investment lawyers call for more funding for departments and agencies responsible for administering trade and tariff programming.

The Aug. 22 letter says that in response to tariffs and shifting trade policies, Canadian and global companies have restructured supply chains, shifted investments and adjusted sourcing strategies.

These businesses rely on Canada's trade institutions to navigate new tariffs, economic sanctions and export controls, as well as secure permits, respond to

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