Canada believes that an effective multilateral trading system is vital to provide equal opportunity and ensure all can benefit from trade and investment.

“This ministerial meeting will provide me with an opportunity to promote Canada’s role in building a resilient economy through inclusive and sustainable growth. Canada has been a key supporter of the OECD’s work to better understand the gender impact of trade. I look forward to working with my counterparts as we further develop and advance progressive approaches to trade.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

• As one of the 20 founding members of the OECD, Canada contributed to its creation with the goal of promoting economic growth as a path to stability.

• The primary purpose of the OECD is to provide a forum to discuss and identify constructive approaches to economic and social issues to ensure sustainable economic growth.

• Canada’s merchandise trade with other OECD countries was $919.1 billion in 2017.

• OECD countries accounted for 89.6% of Canada’s merchandise exports and 76.5% of Canada’s merchandise imports in 2017.

• The annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting includes ministers from the 35 member states of the OECD, who act as the organization’s governing board. As such, the meeting provides strategic direction on the OECD’s future agenda and relations with non-members. 

Associated links

• Canada and the OECD
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
• Canada-European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

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