Minister Sidhu announces launch of mutual recognition agreement for architects between Canada and European Union
News release
January 19, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, welcomes the launch of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Professional Qualifications of Architects (MRAA) under the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The MRAA makes it easier to recognize Canadian and European architects’ professional qualifications in both regions. This important step supports the Canadian architecture sector, which is regulated at the provincial and territorial levels, as well as related activities, including engineering and construction. This agreement will enable new opportunities for collaboration on both sides of the Atlantic.
As the first mutual recognition agreement for professional services under a Canadian free trade agreement, the MRAA delivers concrete progress on Canada’s trade diversification agenda. It strengthens Canada’s economic partnership with the EU while helping Canadian firms compete, scale, and succeed in global markets.
Quotes
“Trade diversification is about securing more opportunities for Canadians to compete and succeed in the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic markets. The CETA and MRA agreements do exactly that by opening access to Europe’s $1.1-trillion building construction market. These agreements will support our architects, attract investment, and create new job opportunities, while helping grow Canada’s $6.8-billion architectural services industry in 2024 and strengthening our economy as we work to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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The Canada-EU economic relationship is underpinned by CETA, which has been provisionally applied in Canada and the EU and its member states since September 21, 2017.
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CETA is a comprehensive trade agreement that highlights the importance of trade in services, including through commitments related to cross-border trade in services, domestic regulation, mutual recognition and temporary entry of business persons.
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Europe is Canada’s second-largest destination for goods and services exports, and European markets are growth drivers for Canadian companies. In 2024, trade between Canada and the European markets was valued at more than $162.1 billion, representing a growth of more than 63% compared to pre-CETA levels in 2016.
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Canadian and European businesses are driving growth in both economies: 447,117 jobs are generated by Canadian affiliates of EU companies and 274,613 jobs are generated by EU affiliates of Canadian companies.
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Contacts
Erin Quevillon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332
erin.quevillon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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