The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that the federal government is becoming increasingly hands-on in brokering international deals for Canadian companies as part of its broader effort to diversify trade. The Globe's Mark Rendell writes that on Thursday, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu formalized this approach with the launch of a "strategic exports office." The office will be housed inside Global Affairs Canada and act as a hub for identifying and advancing international deals for companies in "strategic sectors," including aerospace, defence, nuclear energy and infrastructure. Mr. Sidhu also announced a new 14-member "strategic exports advisory council," which includes, among others, Scotiabank chief executive officer Scott Thomson, Manulife CEO Philip Witherington, Bombardier CEO Éric Martel, Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel and De Havilland owner Sherry Brydson. Ottawa already has a number of tools to help companies source foreign deals and to facilitate exports. Export Development Canada provides trade financing, the Trade Commissioner Service provides market intelligence and makes connections, and the Canadian Commercial Corp. helps Canadian companies sell to foreign governments.