International Affairs

The Department of Finance plays a lead role in managing Canada's participation in key international trade, financial and economic organizations, such as the World Bank Group the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, the Financial Action Task Force and the Financial Stability Board. The Department also represents Canada at the G7 and the G20 Finance Tracks – alongside the Bank of Canada - and participates in the Finance Ministers' Process of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Canada held the G7 Presidency in 2025 and in May 2025 hosted G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Banff. In addition, the Department plays an important role in negotiating and implementing Canada's trade agreements with other nations and monitoring how these arrangements advance Canadian interests.

Trade policies and agreements

Information on Canada's trade policies and tariff measures that support fair and open international trade.

Canada's tariff responses to the changing global trade landscape

Outlining actions on tariffs and remission options for Canadian businesses

Canada's unilateral tariff preference programs for imports from developing countries

Reduced or duty-free tariffs on imports from eligible developing countries to promote their economic development.

Debt relief and financial assistance

Programs and initiatives through which Canada supports global financial stability, including lending, debt relief, and international assistance.

Lending to National Governments

Canada's commitment to debt transparency and its lending practices to other national governments.

Canada's Contributions to Bilateral and Multilateral Debt Relief Initiatives 

Canada's efforts to alleviate the debt burdens of the world's poorest and most indebted countries.

Report to Parliament on the Government of Canada's international assistance

Overview of Canada's federal international assistance results achieved through the collective efforts of 21 departments and agencies.

International Aid Transparency Initiative

Information about international aid spending.

Policy statements and joint declarations

Official statements and international collaborations that outline Canada's positions on global financial and trade issues.

Policy statement on ensuring reciprocal treatment for Canadian businesses abroad

Canada's commitment to ensuring that Canadian businesses receive fair and reciprocal treatment in international markets.

Temporary suspension of the technical negotiations in the International Working Group on Export Credits

Statement by IWG vice-ministers suspending technical negotiations on export credits due to lack of consensus on core issues like transparency and debt sustainability.

Canada-Mexico-United States Financial Regulatory Forum

A collaborative platform to enhance dialogue on financial sector developments and regulatory practices.

Foreign trade zones and tax agreements

Measures that facilitate international business through tax treaties and programs that reduce costs on imports, exports, and investments.

Foreign Trade Zone

Designated areas where imports can be stored, processed, or assembled with tax and tariff exemptions or deferrals.

Tax Treaties

Canada's network of tax treaties with other countries, aimed at avoiding double taxation and preventing tax evasion.

Related news

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2026-06-19