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It's Your Turn

Previous Consultations

Public Consultations on Proposed Changes to the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Rules of Origin and Invitation to Submit New Requests for the Liberalization of the NAFTA Rules of Origin

In a joint statement on July 16, 2004, International Trade Minister Jim Peterson, United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick, and Mexican Secretary of Economy, Fernando Canales announced tentative agreement to liberalize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin for a broad range of foods, consumer and industrial products and to make these amendments effective January 1, 2005.

The Departments of International Trade and Finance are inviting interested parties to submit their comments on the proposed changes to the rules of origin as well as new requests for further liberalization before September 28, 2004. For more information on the proposed changes and on the procedures for submitting comments and/or requests, we invite you to consult the Canada Gazette Notice of August 7, 2004.

For more information on the July 16, 2004 meeting of the NAFTA Commission, we invite you to consult the Joint Statement of the NAFTA Trade Ministers

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the implications for Canadian trade in services of the enlargement of the European Union (EU)

Services trade negotiators are currently considering how EU enlargement will affect our trade interests under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). We are seeking to identify Canadian services and investment interests in Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden (enlargement countries of 1995 & 2004). Understanding the activities of Canadians and Canadian businesses who trade and invest in these markets is essential to representing Canadian interests.

If you believe that Canada’s services trade may be adversely affected by a change of GATS commitments of the countries listed above, we would encourage you to contact International Trade Canada.

For information about this consultation, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of August 7, 2004.

Submissions must be received no later than September 15, 2004.

Contact information:

Address:

Fax: 613-944-0058
Services Trade Policy Division (EBS)
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Canada-Singapore: Initial Environmental Assessment

In keeping with the Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an initial environmental assessment (EA) of the Canada-Singapore free trade negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government has conducted initial consultations with the provinces and territories, as well as with the Sectoral Advisory Groups on International Trade (SAGITs). The EA is now released for a 60-day public consultation period until July 14, 2004. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Singapore negotiations.

• Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Singapore Free Trade Negotiations

• Background information

• Please send your contributions by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca or by mail or fax at:

  Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC)
  International Trade Canada
  125 Sussex Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
  Fax: (613) 944-7981

Sectoral Services Consultations on Trade in Services

Final Report on 2004 Regional Consultations--Refining Canada's Services Trade Negotiating Strategy

Throughout March and April 2004, trade officials conducted consultations with Canadian services exporters on immediate and prospective markets of interest. As services trade negotiations progress, especially the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), this input will be valuable in ensuring Canada's interests and priorities are addressed. Additional comments may be submitted to: gats@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Public Consultation on the Addition of Chrysotile Asbestos to the PIC Procedure of the Rotterdam Convention

The Government of Canada is conducting broad public consultations on the possible addition of Chrysotile Asbestos to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure of the Rotterdam Convention, a multilateral environmental agreement to which Canada is a Party. Additional information including the relevant documents pertaining to this consultation can be found at the following website:

http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/consult/Rotterdam/ca/en/index.cfm

Please note that the closing date for this consultation was Friday, April 9, 2004.

Invitation to submit requests for the harmonization of Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Tariffs with the United States and Mexico and for the liberalization of the North American Free Trade (NAFTA) Rules of Origin.

At the October 7, 2003 North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Commission meeting in Montreal, Trade Ministers proposed initiatives to facilitate further trade among the NAFTA Parties, including exploring opportunities for liberalizing the NAFTA rules of origin and for harmonizing most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs.

International Trade Canada and Finance are inviting interested parties to submit requests on the above before February 13, 2004. For more information on this issue and on the procedures for submitting a request, we invite you to consult the Canada Gazette Notice of December 20, 2003.

For more information on the October 7, 2003 meeting of the NAFTA Commission, we invite you to consult the Joint Statement of the NAFTA Trade Ministers.

A Canadian Perspective on the Precautionary Approach/Principle

Following up on consultations with Canadians in 2001-2002, the Government has developed A Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science-based Decision Making about Risk.

This Framework outlines guiding principles for the application of precaution to science-based decision making in areas of federal regulatory activity for the protection of health and safety and the environment and the conservation of natural resources.

Departmental and agency officials are expected to consider its guiding principles in decision making and to work together in developing, in consultation with their stakeholders, guidance for the application of precaution in their particular area of responsibility.

You can contact us at: contact-pc-en.asp

Background documents:

• Introduction
• Discussion Document (html or pdf)
  Outlines broad guiding principles to support consistent, credible and predictable policy and regulatory decision making when applying the precautionary approach/principle.
• Summary(html or pdf)
  Backgrounder on the precautionary approach/principle.
• Proposed Guiding Principles (html or pdf)
  Briefer exposé on the proposed guiding principles.

The Trade and Development Roundtables: June and July 2002

Between June 6 and July 9 of 2002, a series of unique roundtable discussions on trade and development took place from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts. These consultations had their strength not in the role of the government, but rather in the member-based organizations and academic institutions that hosted them. These brief breakfast or lunch meetings were organized to encourage a wide-ranging discussion on the key points of the "Doha Development Agenda," the agreement signed at the WTO ministerial meeting at Doha, Qatar in November of 2001.

Four issues on the Doha Development Agenda were the focus of the discussions:

• Transparency and the WTO;
• Trade and the environment,;
• Trade and development; and
• Coherence of international organizations.

At each of the roundtables, a small group discussed the issue of the day, led by a moderator and speakers representing government, a non-overnmental organization, an academic or a private sector representative. There was a deliberate objective in inviting such a group: the desire to ensure that all constructive elements of the debate on the new round could be heard.

The meetings took place at four locations, co-hosted by member-based organizations or academic institutions. Summaries of each of these meetings can be found below.

• June 6, 2002: Coady International Institute, Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia: Transparency of the WTO
• June 12, 2002: McGill University School of Environment, Montreal: Trade and the Environment
• June 24, 2002: Asia Pacific Foundation, Vancouver: Trade and Development
• July 9, 2002: Canadian Institute of International Affairs, York University, Toronto: Policy Coherence of International Organizations

Further roundtables may be organized in the future. Meanwhile the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade would like to hear your views on these subjects.

Canadians were also invited to submit comments on the following issues:

The Relationship of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to the FTAA

On June 14, 2002, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (SCFAIT) tabled a report entitled "Strengthening Canada's Economic Links with the Americas". Recommendation 22 of the report stated "That Canada promote the injection of clauses within the FTAA Agreement that would tie countries' access to the benefits from FTAA membership to proven respect for democratic rights."

In October 2002, the Government of Canada issued a response to this report in which it made its view clear that there is a relationship between the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the FTAA Agreement through the Quebec City Declaration and Article 19 of the Charter. In addition, it committed to "initiate domestic consultations in the coming year to seek views and options to operationalize the relationship between the FTAA and the Charter."

To that end, the Government has prepared a discussion paper with a view to develop an eventual Canadian proposal on this issue.

The Relationship of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to the FTAA (discussion paper)

Please send your contributions by August 29, 2003, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:
Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC),
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Central America Four Free Trade (CA-4) Negotiations

In keeping with the Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an environmental assessment (EA) of the Canada-Central America Four (Canada-CA-4) free trade negotiations is being conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government has consulted with Canadians on the initial environmental assessment, including the provinces and territories, non-government organizations, business groups, and the general public.

The Initial Environmental Assessment is released for a sixty-day public comment period.

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-CA-4 Free Trade Negotiations
(pdf, 24 pages, 252 KB)

Background Information: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/ca4-en.asp

Send your contributions by August 18, 2003, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:
Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC),
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Negotiations

On May 5, 2003, the Government of Canada released its Initial Environmental Assessment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Negotiations. This is the first of three reports that will be prepared for the Strategic Environmental Assessment, which will help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process. The Government is working closely with provinces and territories throughout the entire assessment process. It has consulted Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including non-government organizations, business groups, and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment on the FTAA negotiations was published in the Canada Gazette on March 16, 2002.

The Initial Environmental Assessment is released for a sixty-day public comment period, unless a longer or a shorter period is considered appropriate. Comments received will be used to help prepare the next report -- the Draft Environmental Assessment. The Government of Canada will continue to seek input from Canadians throughout the assessment. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the FTAA negotiations in 2005.

Initial Environmental Assessment of the FTAA Negotiations
(pdf, 47 pages, 285 KB)

Background Documents:

Canada releases Initial Environmental Assessment of FTAA Negotiations
News Release - May 5, 2003
Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations
Information on Canada and the FTAA
Canada Gazette Notice - March 16, 2002

Send your contributions by August 31, 2003*, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:

Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC),
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 944-7981

* Please note that comments submitted after the due date will still be considered on an ongoing basis.

Initial Environmental Assessment of the new World Trade Organization (WTO) Negotiations

• Canada Announces Initial Environmental Assessment of WTO
  News Release - November 22, 2002
• Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations
• Information on Canada and the WTO
• Canada Gazette Notice- June 8, 2002

Send your contributions by July 31, 2003*, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:

Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC),
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 944-7981

* Please note that comments submitted after the due date will still be considered on an ongoing basis.

FTAA - Consultations on Government Procurement Market Access Negotiations

As part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to consult with key stakeholders in the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations, Canada has developed a consultation survey on the government procurement negotiations for distribution and completion by interested parties. The feedback received will be used to guide Canadian negotiators as they prepare to submit Canada's initial requests in government procurement to other countries for improved market access to their government procurement markets. Canada is preparing to exchange initial requests in government procurement by June 15th, 2003. For further information please see the Background Information and Consultation Survey, (pdf, 3 pages, 72.8KB).

We would appreciate initial responses by FRIDAY, JUNE 6th, 2003. Please respond to Stuart Palmer by one of the following:

E-mail: palmer.stuart@ic.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 946-2836

Mail: Industry Canada
235 Queen Street Rm. 523B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H5

FTAA: Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Access

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on market access issues related to agricultural and non-agricultural products in the current Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations. The Government invites all interested parties to submit their views and comments by May 9, 2003.

We are looking for input on the following issues:

• Export interests: Please identify products (by HS number preferably), and country of interest and any other information deemed appropriate (e.g. non-tariff barriers). Your views on tariff phase-out periods would also be useful.

• Rules of origin: Are there any issues in your particular area that you feel are appropriate for the negotiations?

Please see the Consultation Notice for additional information.

Learn more on Canada's objectives and positions in the FTAA negotiations.

Send your requests for information or comments, either by e-mail at: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail at:

FTAA Market Access Negotiations
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Tariffs and Market Access Division
125 Sussex Drive, Tower C, 3rd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Canada-European Union - Proposed Trade and Investment Enhancement Agreement

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of the proposed bilateral trade and investment enhancement agreement as well as on barriers to the European market to be addressed in the context of ongoing WTO negotiations. It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative. Therefore, we welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns with regard to enhancing our trade and investment relationship with the European Union.

For information about this initiative with the European Union and consultation, please see the News Release and Backgrounder , the Canada Gazette Notice of April 12, 2003, as well as additional background information.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by June 13, 2003. Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail:
consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Fax:
(613) 944-7981

Address:
Trade Negotiations Consultations (Europe)
Trade Policy Consultations and Liaison Division (EBC)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Canada-Andean Countries - Free Trade Discussions

Canada-Dominican Republic - Free Trade Discussions

FTAA: Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Access

• Export interests: Please identify products (by HS number preferably), and country of interest and any other information deemed appropriate (e.g. non-tariff barriers). Your views on tariff phase-out periods would also be useful.

• Import sensitivities: Please identify products (by HS number preferably) where Canada should seek a longer phase-out period for its tariffs. For these products, please also identify the exporting country of primary concern.

• Rules of origin: We would welcome your views on the approach Canada should take, for example, whether Canada should adopt a NAFTA approach on rules.

WTO: "Doha Round" - Invitation to submit comments on market access for non-agricultural products

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on market access for non-agricultural products in the current "Doha Round" of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. "Non-agricultural products" refers to the full range of "industrial" goods, including forest and fisheries products. The Government invites all interested parties to submit their views and comments by September 16, 2002. See the Canada Gazette Notice of July 13, 2002 for more information.

Background Documents:

• Trade in Goods - Tariffs and Non-Tariffs Measures
• Information on Canada and the WTO
• 2002 edition of Canada's International Market Access Priorities (CIMAP)

Send your contributions by September 16, 2002, by e-mail to: anne.cox@dfait-maeci.gc.ca or by mail at:

Anne Cox
Tariffs and Market Access Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Drive, Tower C, 3rd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Consultation Paper on WTO Subsidies and Trade Remedies Negotiations

This paper is meant to elicit the views of Canadians in the identification of issues and proposals that will form the Canadian negotiating position for the World Trade Organization (WTO) trade remedies negotiations. The paper is organized into issues concerning the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM), issues concerning the Anti-Dumping Agreement (ADA) and issues that are common to both agreements.

See the Notice and Paper released by Finance Canada for additional information.
(Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the address set out in that notice no later than July 15, 2002.)

Canadian Citizens' Views on Trade with Least Developed Countries

From March 30 until May 2, 2002, the Government of Canada consulted Canadians on proposals to help the world's least developed countries by removing tariffs and quotas on most of the products they sell to Canada. The Government was seeking the views of parties, such as key industry sectors, non-governmental organizations, and interested citizens, on the proposals, including any economic or social impact the proposed action might have.

See the Report on Submissions Received for the results of the public consultations. A Canada Gazette Notice was published on March 30, 2002

For further information on key issues, see the discussion paper entitled "Improving Access for the Products of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to the Canadian Market."
html or pdf (13 pages, 299 KB)

Strategic Environmental Assessment of the new World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations

The Government of Canada is conducting an environmental assessment of the new World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations launched at Doha in November 2001, and invites all interested parties to submit their comments on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada of these negotiations by July 31, 2002.
See the Canada Gazette Notice of June 8, 2002 for more information.

Background Documents:

• Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations
• Information on Canada and the WTO

Send your contributions by July 31, 2002, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:

WTO Environmental Assessment Consultations
Environmental Services Division (AES)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Facsimile: (613) 944-0757

Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) - Proposal for CCFTA Rules of Origin Changes

The purpose of this notice is to seek views regarding a proposal related to the rules of origin requirements under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA). The rules of origin need to be amended to reflect the changes to the structure and nomenclature of the Harmonized System (HS) that became effective January 1, 2002. The amendments are being developed in a manner that strives to be neutral without changing the original intent of the rules. In some cases, however, analysis has shown that amending the rules of origin to reflect the new HS 2002 while maintaining their original intent would result in extremely complex and administratively burdensome rules. It is therefore proposed that, in these limited cases, the current text of the rules remain unchanged even though this would result in changes to the origin conferring requirements of the CCFTA.

See the Canada Gazette Notice for additional information

Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the address set out in the Canada Gazette Notice no later than June 21, 2002.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

The Government of Canada is conducting an environmental assessment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and invites all interested parties to submit their comments on the likely environmental impact on Canada of this free trade agreement by May 14, 2002.
See the Canada Gazette Notice of March 16, 2002 for more information.

Send your contributions by May 14, 2002, by e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

or by mail or fax at:

FTAA Environmental Assessment Consultations
Trade Policy Planning Division (EAI)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) - Proposal for CIFTA Rules of Origin Changes

The purpose of this notice is to seek views regarding a proposal related to the rules of origin requirements under the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). The rules of origin need to be amended to reflect the changes to the structure and nomenclature of the Harmonized System (HS) that became effective January 1, 2002. The amendments are being developed in a manner that strives to be neutral without changing the original intent of the rules. In some cases, however, analysis has shown that amending the rules of origin to reflect the new HS 2002 while maintaining their original intent would result in extremely complex and administratively burdensome rules. It is therefore proposed that, in these limited cases, the current text of the rules remain unchanged even though this would result in changes to the origin conferring requirements of the CIFTA.

See the Canada Gazette Notice for additional information

Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the address set out in the Canada Gazette Notice no later than May 15, 2002.

Canada - CARICOM Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the possible scope of a free trade agreement between Canada and the countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative. Therefore, we welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns with regard to a free trade agreement with CARICOM.
All interested parties are invited to submit their views by February 22, 2002.

See the News Release and the Canada Gazette Notice of December 15, 2001, for detailed information about the consultation.
Background information is also available in our section "Canada - CARICOM".

Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) - Proposal to Amend de minimis Provisions and to Implement Transhipment and Minor Processing Provisions

The purpose of this notice is to seek further advice from industry and from other interested parties on the proposed amendments. Upon completion of these domestic consultations, the Governments of Canada and Israel will review the public comments to determine whether the proposals will be implemented as changes to the rules of origin in the CIFTA.
See the Canada Gazette Notice for additional information.
Please send your comments by January 24, 2002.

2001 - WTO Consultations (Ministerial Meeting - Doha, Qatar)

The Government is seeking your views on Canada's activities in the WTO. The main issues are discussed in detail in our information papers. They provide a clear explanation of each issue and recent developments, as well as Canada's objectives on specific issues in the lead-up to the WTO Ministerial in Doha, Qatar from November 9-13, 2001.

A Canadian Perspective on the Precautionary Approach/Principle

November 2001
The government is consulting Canadians on a discussion document outlining a Canadian perspective on what is the precautionary approach, why is it important, when does it apply, and how is it applied?

For detailed information about the consultation, please refer to the following documents:

• Introduction
• Discussion Document (html or pdf)
  Outlines broad guiding principles to support consistent, credible and predictable policy and regulatory decision making when applying the precautionary approach/principle.
• Summary (html or pdf)
  Backgrounder on the precautionary approach/principle.
• Proposed Guiding Principles (html or pdf)
  Briefer exposé on the proposed guiding principles.

Submit your comments prior to the end of March, 2002 by e-mail at: precautions@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Open Invitation to Civil Society in FTAA Participating Countries

November 2001
The FTAA Committee of Government Representatives on Civil Society has extended a new open and permanent invitation to civil society to provide written submissions on issues of relevance to the FTAA. This invitation can be found through a link in our FTAA section, which also provides information on the draft text, Canada's positions and proposals and additional background information.

Requests for Accelerated Elimination of Tariffs under the NAFTA

(Gazette Notice - September 15, 2001)
The Government's objective in the domestic consultations is to obtain information from interested parties on the potential advantages and disadvantages of accelerated elimination of customs duties under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on products covered by Canadian and Mexican tariff provisions set out in the two accompanying lists.

Canada - Central America Four Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The Government of Canada is seeking the opinions of Canadians on a free trade agreement between Canada and Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua). The Government believes that ongoing broad-based consultations with the provinces, the business sector, and the public at large are essential. See our page "Canada - Central America Four Free Trade Agreement Negotiations" for detailed information.

Consultations on Trade in Services Negotiations

Pettigrew Releases Public Consultation Report on GATS
News Release - February 7, 2001

The report provides a general summary of the comments that were made during joint federal and provincial/territorial cross-country consultations held between June and October 2000. The information collected has been used to help establish Canada's initial position for the GATS negotiations. Further details about the GATS.

Canada - Singapore Free Trade Negotiations

The Government of Canada is seeking the opinions of Canadians on a free trade agreement between Canada and Singapore. The Government believes that ongoing broad-based consultations with the provinces, the business sector, and the public at large are essential. See our "Canada - Singapore" page for detailed information.

Market Access Priorities Report - 2002 (CIMAP)

International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew released on April 16 the government's annual report on Canada's trade priorities: Opening Doors to the World: Canada's International Market Access Priorities - 2002 (CIMAP) . The report also highlights significant market opening results achieved by government in 2001 to benefit Canadian exporters.
News Release and Backgrounder - April 16, 2001

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) wants to know about major market access irritants Canadian business people may be facing in foreign markets. By hearing from you, the Government will ensure that Canada's negotiating objectives fully reflect the interests of Canadians. Please provide us with your comments by filling out this feedback form.

WTO - Transparency

Canada believes that a greater window onto the World Trade Organization (WTO) will better enable the public to appreciate the benefits of liberalized trade and the clear and equitable rules that serve as the foundation of the international trading system. At the same time, we believe WTO members and the WTO system of agreements would benefit from the views of the global public. Visit our WTO section to learm more about Canada's contribution and send us your comments by sending and e-mail to: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

OECD Agreement on the Environmental Review of Officially Supported Export Credits

Canada has been at the heart of efforts by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to conclude a multilateral framework for the environmental review of official export credit activities. For additional information about this consultation, see our section on Environment.

Further questions or comments can be sent to: tbf@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Canada/Brazil WTO Panels - Aircraft - May 2000 to August 2001

The public consultation period has ended after an unprecedented 16 months. The WTO is currently examining this issue and no decision regarding retaliation has yet been made. See our Dispute Settlement section for the most recent developments and a history of the case.

WTO Services Negotiations - Virtual Consultations with Services Exporters - June 2000 to May 2001

The government of Canada has completed its GATS "virtual" consultation process with services exporters across Canada. This process consisted of a series of 12 short e-mailed surveys asking for input on a range of services trade issues - temporary entry, MRAs, establishing a local office, government procurement, e-commerce, etc. Government officials have received some very valuable input from Canadian service firms that will assist them develop the Canadian position as we proceed in the GATS negotiations. You may continue to send comments to the following mailbox: gats@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

We also invite you to look at the results of the 12 completed mini-surveys.

Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations - February 2001

The Government of Canada, with the help of the public, the provinces and territories, Aboriginal groups, and representatives from academic, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector has developed Canada's Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations.The Framework will be periodically updated as experience is gained during its application. Visit the section "Environment" of this website to view updated versions of the framework and supplementary information on environmental assessments of trade negotiations.

Report of the Second Triennial Review of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement - November 2000

The Government of Canada participated in the Second Triennial Review of the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement. The Review was completed on November 10, 2000, resulting in the Review Report which, among other things, provides a basis for a workplan in the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee over the next two years. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade would like to thank those Canadians who participated in our consultations, Canada's position paper was influential in the Review process which took on most of the concerns and interests of Canadians noted in our submission. Further questions or comments on the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement Triennial Review process can be sent by email to Tyler.Bjornson@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement Negotiations - March 2000

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced on April 23, 2001 the conclusion of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (CCRFTA), after nine months of negotiations. The CCRFTA was signed by International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew and his Costa Rican counterpart Tomás Dueñas, at a ceremony in Ottawa. See our page on "Canada-Costa Rica" for the News Release and a Backgrounder, the text of the Agreement, the two parallel accords on environmental and labour cooperation and additional background information on the signing and the Negotiations.

1999 - WTO and FTAA Consultations

(Seattle and Toronto Ministerial Meetings)
In 1999, the Canadian Government consulted with Canadians on the key issues expected to be addressed in the 1999 WTO and FTAA negotiations. As part of these consultations, discussion papers on sectoral issues were posted to this website for information and comment. Feedback received as a result of these and other on-going consultations contributed to the development of Canada's positions in the WTO and the FTAA.

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