NEWS RELEASES
CANADA PUTS FORWARD CASE FOR MORE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WTO
January 23, 2003 (12:30 p.m. EST) No. 13
CANADA PUTS FORWARD CASE FOR MORE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WTO
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced that Canada has proposed that the World Trade
Organization (WTO) adopt improvements to make the dispute settlement process more efficient and open to
the public.
"Canada has worked very hard over the last several years to make the WTO more open and accessible to the
world's citizens," said Minister Pettigrew. "People have more trust in institutions when they operate in the open.
Openness is a hallmark of a democratic system, and is a key Canadian value."
Canada filed proposed improvements to the Dispute Settlement Understanding in Geneva. Negotiations aimed
at improving and clarifying the WTO dispute settlement system are part of the current Doha Round of WTO
negotiations launched by ministers in November 2001.
A key element of Canada's proposal is that the panel and appellate body hearings be open to the public and
that WTO members make their written submissions to WTO panels and the appellate body available to the
public at the time of filing.
Canada has also proposed procedures that would ensure the protection of business-confidential information
submitted in the dispute settlement process.
In addition, Canada advocates the creation of a roster from which panellists could be selected to ensure that
qualified individuals are available to serve on WTO panels, and to improve the efficiency of panel selection.
Each WTO member would be invited to nominate one candidate.
The complete text of Canada's submission and an update on the various subjects under negotiation can be
found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Web site: www.wto.gc.ca
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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