International Trade Minister introduces legislation to Parliament to implement CETA
News Release
October 31, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a gold-standard agreement that reflects a more inclusive and progressive approach to international trade and represents the values and priorities of Canadians.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, today tabled the treaty and introduced implementing legislation in the House of Commons. The legislation will be subject to all stages of the legislative process. The implementation of CETA is expected in 2017.
CETA was signed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, during the European Union-Canada Leaders’ Summit on October 30, 2016, in Brussels, Belgium.
Quotes
“The modifications made to CETA led to the signing of a more inclusive and progressive agreement yesterday in Brussels. It is thus without delay that I table the agreement in Parliament and introduce the bill to implement it. This gold-standard agreement will benefit the middle class in both Canada and Europe.”
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade
“By ratifying CETA, Canada will once again demonstrate its leadership on progressive international trade. This is a gold-standard agreement that paves the way for a new generation of trade agreements that prioritize public services, environmental protection and labour rights.”
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
- CETA will give Canada access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers. Canadian workers stand to benefit significantly from increased access to this 28-nation market, which generates $20 trillion in annual economic activity.
- Canada is strengthening its trade and investment relations with the EU, the world’s second-largest single market and Canada’s second-largest bilateral trading partner. Of Canada’s 21 priority markets for investment attraction, 11 are in the EU.
- The implementing legislation for CETA will be subject to all the stages of the legislative process.
Associated links
- Canada-European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
- CETA: A progressive trade agreement for a strong middle class
- Canada and EU sign historic trade agreement during EU-Canada Summit
Contacts
Alex Lawrence
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
alex.lawrence@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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