Canada accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
News release
May 2, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced today that Canada has formally accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held in June 2022, members adopted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which aims to ensure sustainable global fisheries by establishing new multilateral trade rules on harmful fisheries subsidies, such as those related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It is the second multilateral agreement, and first environmental agreement, to be negotiated at the WTO since its inception.
Canada is the fifth WTO member to deposit its instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The agreement will enter into force once two thirds of WTO members have accepted it.
Quotes
“This WTO landmark agreement will help ensure the sustainable use of global fisheries for years to come by taking action against harmful subsidies, including those related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. Canada remains committed to working with other WTO members to continue to strengthen the rules-based international trading system.
- Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
“I welcome this WTO agreement because it will aid our global fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. As an ocean nation, Canada recognizes the global need to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. Accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies strengthens our commitment to strict international rules that support sustainable marine environments and the livelihoods that depend on responsible trade in fish and seafood.”
- Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Associated links
- Canada supports sustainable global fishing with contribution to WTO Fisheries Subsidies Trust Fund
- WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
- WTO members secure unprecedented package of trade outcomes at MC12
- Minister Ng met with WTO members, hosted meeting of Ottawa Group
- Members submitting acceptance of Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Contacts
Shanti Cosentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
343-576-4365
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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