Statement by Minister Ng on Brazil’s decision to end WTO challenge regarding Airbus A220

February 19, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement regarding Brazil’s decision to withdraw its World Trade Organization complaint regarding Canada’s support of the Airbus A220 aircraft (formerly named the Bombardier CSeries):

“Canada is pleased with Brazil’s decision to end its WTO challenge of Canadian support measures for the Airbus A220 aircraft.

“Canada’s innovative aerospace industry provides well-paying jobs for Canadians and contributes to our knowledge-based economy. Our government has vigorously defended Canada’s aerospace industry and its workers, including since Brazil’s initial complaint in 2017, confident that Canadian support measures fully respect international trade rules.

“Canada welcomes Brazil’s interest in seeking plurilateral disciplines on government support for commercial aircraft. A better understanding among aircraft-producing countries of the rules in this regard could minimize recourse to trade litigation on the issue and help level the playing field. Canada is open to exploring the possibility of clarifying rules for all players in the aerospace sector.”

Quick facts

• At Brazil's request, a WTO panel was established in September 2017 to determine whether Canadian federal, provincial and municipal support measures for Bombardier's CSeries (now named the Airbus A220) aircraft program were consistent with the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
• Canada’s aerospace industry contributed more than $28 billion to the country’s gross domestic product and supported approximately 235,000 Canadian jobs in 2019.
• In 2020, Brazil and Canada celebrated the 10th anniversary of their bilateral science, technology and innovation agreement.

Associated links

• Canada-Brazil relations
• Canadian aerospace and defence industry
• Canada-Brazil science, technology and innovation agreement
• Brazil’s announcement of formal withdrawal of WTO complaint