- The Canadian Government is moving ahead with a strong and ambitious Free Trade Agreement agenda. Freer trade is an essential contributor to Canada’s productivity, growth and prosperity and ensures Canada’s competitiveness in external markets. It is also a key element in the Government’s response to the global economic crisis, supporting economic growth while sending a strong signal against protectionism. The Government’s determined commitment to pursue free trade will create jobs and generate prosperity for Canadians. The Government is currently in negotiation on opening new markets for Canadians and Canadian businesses with close to 50 countries.
- In Toronto, recognizing that global trade is a driver for growth, the G-20 leaders extended their commitment to resist protectionism for an additional three years, until 2013. At Seoul, leaders will review progress in negotiations and identify a way forward to achieve a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious conclusion to the World Trade Organization Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations as soon as possible. Canada’s positive experience with free trade—and our ambitious free trade agenda—can stand as a model for opening doors to increased business and investment activity.
Free trade agreements that entered into force since 2006:
European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), implemented on July 1, 2009; and Peru, implemented on August 1, 2009.
Free trade agreements that have been signed since 2006:
Colombia, signed November 21, 2008; Jordan, signed June 28, 2009; and Panama, signed May 14, 2010.
The following are Canada’s additional key free trade accomplishments since 2006:
- European Union:
- The fifth round of Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations took place October 18-22 in Ottawa.
- Parties continue to work toward an ambitious and comprehensive agreement.
- India:
- On June 27, Prime Ministers Harper and Singh welcomed the conclusion of the Canada-India Joint Study, which was released publicly on September 24 by Minister Van Loan and his Indian counterpart, Anand Sharma.
- Japan:
- Canada and Japan have been consulting on options for pursuing free trade and will continue these discussions.
- Korea:
- Negotiations with Korea to conclude an FTA are ongoing.
- Mercosur:
- Canada and Mercosur are exploring ways to deepen our commercial relationship.
- Other countries:
- Canada is pursuing the expansion of existing FTAs with Chile, Costa Rica and Israel.
Free trade agreements which are currently underway:
European Union, negotiations launched May 6, 2009; Dominican Republic, negotiations launched July 7, 2007; Caribbean Community CARICOM, negotiations launched July 19, 2007; Ukraine, negotiations launched September 22, 2009, and India, launched in November 2010; negotiations are also underway with Singapore, Central America Four (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and Korea, launched in October 2001, November 2001 and July 2005 respectively. Exploratory talks are also underway with Japan, Turkey and Morocco.
