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Subjects For Closed Consultations

Intellectual Property

The Government of Canada is seeking the Views of Canadians to Assess Canadian Intellectual Property Interests in Selected Markets

Closing date: August 17, 2007

On June 7, 2007 the Government of Canada announced the launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Peru, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Exploratory talks have also been held with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and Ecuador but no negotiations are scheduled at this time. The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians to assess the extent of Canadian intellectual property interests in these markets.

The Government’s interest in intellectual property (IP) stems from the increasingly important role intellectual property plays in the knowledge-based economy in Canada and abroad. In fact, the competitiveness of Canadian firms and other creators or owners of IP often depends on their ability to protect their intellectual assets and enforce their rights. As Canadians become more active in foreign markets in areas involving patents, trade-marks, copyrights or other forms of IP, the Government wants to ensure that the interests of Canadians are protected.

To the extent that you or your company is involved in knowledge-based sectors or other activities involving intellectual property, we invite you to take a few moments to complete the questionnaire below to share your experiences and interests in these countries. The information you provide will help the Government of Canada develop its approach to intellectual property in these negotiations.

Questionnaire - Consultations on Assessing Canadian Intellectual Property Interests in Selected Markets (pdf 79.3 KB)

Please provide your input by August 7, 2007.

For more information, please visit: Regional and Bilateral Initiatives and Trade and Intellectual Property.

If you would like to discuss these initiatives further or learn more about the Government’s approach to intellectual property in trade and investment negotiations, please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at:

Intellectual Property, Information and Technology Trade Policy (TMI)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Fax: 613-944-7981
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca

Regional & Bilateral Initiatives

Consultations on Possible Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Morocco

Closing Date: November 2, 2009

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of a possible free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Kingdom of Morocco (Morocco).

This notice is part of the Government of Canada’s domestic consultation process with business, citizen-based organizations and individual Canadians, as well as with provincial and territorial governments, to obtain advice and views on priorities, objectives and concerns to help outline the parameters of this initiative.

For information about this initiative with Morocco and the consultations, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of October 10, 2009, as well as the additional background information available on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by November 2, 2009. Contributions can be sent by e-mail, facsimile or mail to:

Canada-Morocco Exploratory Discussions Towards Possible FTA Negotiations
Consultations and Liaison Division - CSL
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-7981
Email: consultations@international.gc.ca

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Closing date: September 18, 2009

The Government of Canada has recently launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union (EU). It is now conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) to inform these negotiations. Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts which this prospective CETA may have on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade negotiations are critical to this work.

This process is guided by the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations and with direction from the 2004 Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan, and Program Proposals.

For more information, please visit the following Web sites:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on any likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the prospective Canada-EU CETA by Friday, September 18, 2009.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

e-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: 613-944-3214

Mail:

Consultations and Liaison Division BSL, Environmental Assessment Consultations — Canada-EU CETA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Consultations towards a Canada-European Union comprehensive economic agreement

Closing date: June 30, 2009

On May 6, 2009, Canada and the European Union (EU) announced the launch of negotiations towards a comprehensive economic agreement. With a market of nearly 500 million consumers, the EU is Canada’s second largest trade and investment partner. The Joint Study, Assessing the Costs and Benefits of a Closer EU-Canada Economic Partnership, estimates that trade liberalization between Canada and the EU could lead to a $12 billion boost in Canada’s annual gross domestic product, and increase bilateral trade by over 20 percent. A bilateral trade agreement with the EU will help to protect and advance Canada’s future prosperity, by generating new investment and export opportunities through improved access to the European marketplace.

In order to ensure that Canadian priorities are taken into account during the negotiations, the Government of Canada is consulting Canadian stakeholders with an interest in the EU market. These consultations will continue throughout the negotiations, and will focus on a number of issues that are subject to negotiation, specifically those pertaining to access for goods (including tariff and non-tariff barriers), rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property, cross-border trade in services, investment and government procurement.

The attached questionnaire seeks your preliminary input on goods, services and investment. We invite you to submit your views on those questions of most relevance to your organization.

Please note that you may have already been consulted by Government of Canada officials, or you may already have submitted input to the Government of Canada under the Canada Gazette notice published in December 2008. In such cases, it is not necessary to re-submit information already provided; however, additional input is welcome.

Questionnaire on a comprehensive economic agreement between Canada and the European Union (html │Word 234 kb)

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by June 30, 2009.

For more information on this initiative, please visit the Web page "Canada-European Union: negotiations towards a comprehensive economic partnership agreement".

Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Your comments are most appreciated.

Contributions may be sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade via:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: 613-992-6002

Mail:

Bilateral Market Access Division (TBM)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: April 30, 2009

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait FIPA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on December 15, 2007.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 60 day public consultation period until April 30, 2009. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Kuwait FIPA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-Kuwait FIPA negotiations.

Report on the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement updated April 8, 2009

For more information, please visit:

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Canada-India - Consultations on Possible Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations with India

Closing date: April 6, 2009

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of a possible comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Canada and India. It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and potential sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative. We therefore welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns relating to a possible comprehensive economic agreement with India.

For information about this initiative with India and the consultations, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of March 7, 2009, as well as additional background information.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by April 6, 2009. Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

Email: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: 613-944-3489

Address:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Bahrain Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: March 31, 2009

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Bahrain Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade negotiations are critical to this work.

This process is guided by the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations and with direction from the 2004 Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan, and Program Proposals.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Bahrain FIPA negotiations by March 31, 2009.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757
Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Bahrain FIPA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Tunisia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: March 31, 2009

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Tunisia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Tunisia FIPA negotiations by March 31, 2009.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757
Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Tunisia FIPA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Final Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: March 13, 2009

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, a Final Environmental Assessment of the negotiations between Canada and Madagascar towards a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) has been conducted to help negotiators better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The report on this Final Environmental Assessment is now available and we welcome comments on its contents. The comments that are received will be circulated to the Interdepartmental EA of Trade Steering Committee and will inform future environmental assessments of trade negotiations.

Report of the Final Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (html | pdf 2 pages 95 kb)
Background on Investment
Background on FIPAs

All interested parties are invited to submit their comments by March 13, 2009.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations & Liaison Division (BSL)
Environmental Assessment Consultations - Canada-Madagascar FIPA
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Closing date: February 28, 2009

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada- Panama FTA negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Panama FTA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on November 27, 2008.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for public consultation until February 28, 2009. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Panama FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-Panama FTA negotiations.

Initial Environmental Assessment (EA) Report of the Canada-Panama FTA

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations and Liaison Division (BSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

Closing date: February 15, 2009

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on October 13, 2007.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 60 day public consultation period until February 15, 2009. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA negotiations.

Report of the Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

For more information, please visit

Canada - Dominican Republic Free Trade Negotiations (FTA)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: 613-944-0757

Consultations and Liaison Division
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-CARICOM Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations

Closing date: February 15, 2009

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-CARICOM FTA negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-CARICOM FTA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on October 13, 2007.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 60 day public consultation period until February 15, 2009. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-CARICOM FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-CARICOM FTA negotiations.

Report of the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada – CARICOM Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
For more information, please visit:

Canada - CARICOM Free Trade Negotiations (FTA)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: 613-944-0757

Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations - Canada-CARICOM FTA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Canada-European Union - Consultations on Possible Comprehensive Economic Agreement Negotiations with the European Union

Closing date: January 20, 2009

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of a possible comprehensive economic agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU). It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and potential sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative. We therefore welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns relating to a possible comprehensive economic agreement with the EU.

For information about this initiative with the European Union and the consultations, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of December 20, 2008, as well as additional background information.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by January 20, 2009. Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

Email: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: 613-944-3489

Address:

Trade Negotiations Consultations (European Union)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement

Closing date: December 21, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada of a prospective FTA with Panama.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental Assessments of trade negotiations are important elements of this work.

For more information, please visit: Negotiations Toward a Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on any likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from a Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Saturday, December 21, 2008. The timeline for consultation for the Environmental Assessment process has been shortened due to the pace of the on-going negotiatons.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax:: 613-944-0757

Mail:

Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Panama FTA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: September 12, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade, investment and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Mongolia FIPA negotiations by September 12, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Mail:

Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations - Canada-Mongolia FIPA
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: August 25, 2008

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar FIPA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on May 7, 2008.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 30 day public consultation period until August 25, 2008. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Madagascar FIPA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-Madagascar FIPA negotiations.

Report on the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Vietnam Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: August 9, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Vietnam Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade, investment and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade and investment negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Vietnam FIPA negotiations by August 9, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757
Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Vietnam FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Indonesia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: August 1, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Indonesia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade, investment and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade and investment negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

· Canada-Indonesia FIPA

· Canada's FIPA Program

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Indonesia FIPA negotiations by August 1, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Indonesia FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement

Closing date: July 25, 2008

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with provincial and territorial governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. On March 1, 2008, a Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan FTA negotiations was issued in the Canada Gazette.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for public comment until July 25, 2008. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Jordan FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the negotiations.

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757
Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Jordan FTA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: July 1, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Madagascar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade, investment and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade and investment negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Madagascar FIPA negotiations by July 1, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Madagascar FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Tanzania Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: July 1, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Tanzania Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade, investment and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade, investment and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade and investment negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Tanzania FIPA negotiations by July 1, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Mail:
Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Tanzania FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: May 12, 2008

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada has consulted with Canadian stakeholders on this step of the environmental assessment. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan FIPA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on February 18, 2008.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 27 day public consultation period until May 12, 2008. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Jordan FIPA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released before the coming into force of the Canada-Jordan FIPA.

Report on the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) (html | pdf 46 kb)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: (613) 944-7981
Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: March 21, 2008

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China FIPA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on November 5, 2005.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 30 day public consultation period until March 21, 2008. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-ChinaFIPA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-China FIPA negotiations.

Report on the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: (613) 944-7981
Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Andean Community Free Trade Agreements

Closing date: February 21, 2008

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessment of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Andean Community Free Trade Agreement negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. On October 13, 2007, a Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Andean Community negotiations was issued in the Canada Gazette and posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for public consultation until February 21, 2008. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic or environmental impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Andean Community FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the negotiations.

Initial Environmental Assessment Report – Canada-Andean Community Free Trade Agreements - January 2008 (html)
Economic Analysis of Prospective Free Trade Agreement(s) between Canada and the Countries of the Andean Community - June 2007 (html | pdf 206 Kb)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax : (613) 944-7981
Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Andean Community Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Jordan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: February 18, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Jordan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, the Minister of International Trade, with the support of his Cabinet colleagues, has directed trade officials to improve their understanding of, and information based on, the relationship between trade and environmental issues at the earliest stages of decision making, and to do this through an open and inclusive process. Environmental assessments of trade negotiations are critical to this work.

For more information, please visit:

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Jordan FIPA negotiations by February 18, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Mail:

Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Jordan FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Notice of Intent to Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)

Closing date: February 15, 2008

The Government of Canada will undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (EA) of the negotiations for a Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of the negotiations on Canada.

For more information, please visit:

Canada-Kuwait Backgrounder
Canada's FIPA Program
Canada Gazette Notice - December 15, 2007

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on the likely and significant environmental impacts on Canada resulting from the Canada-Kuwait FIPA negotiations by February 15, 2008.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757

Mail:

Consultations & Liaison Division
Environmental Assessment Consultations – Canada-Kuwait FIPA
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Canada-CARICOM Free Trade Agreement (FTA) - Negotiations on Market Access for Goods, Services and Investment

Closing date: January 15, 2008

It is anticipated that Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will exchange initial tariff offers for goods, services and investment in early 2008. To ensure that Canada’s priorities, interests and concerns are fully taken into account in our negotiating strategy, the Government of Canada is seeking your views on the following issues pertaining to tariffs, rules of origin, non-tariff measures, services and investment.

CARICOM Member countries are: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Canada is committed to negotiating a modern trade agreement with CARICOM Members that will take into account differing levels of development, vulnerabilities associated with island states, and trade-related capacity challenges.

For more information, see: Canada-CARICOM Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

Canada-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – Negotiations on Market Access for Goods, Services and Investment

Closing date: January 10, 2008

On June 7, 2007, the Government of Canada announced the launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Dominican Republic (DR). In order to ensure that Canada’s priorities, interests and concerns are fully taken into account in our negotiating strategy, the Government of Canada is seeking your views on issues pertaining to tariffs, rules of origin, non-tariff measures, services and investment.

For more information, see: Canada-Dominican Republic – Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

Notice of Intent to Conduct Strategic Environmental Assessments of Free Trade Agreements between Canada and the Dominican Republic, the Andean Community Countries and the Caribbean Community

Closing date: November 20, 2007

The Government of Canada has recently launched free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the Dominican Republic, the Andean Community countries of Colombia and Peru, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In this context, the Government will be undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments of proposed FTAs with the aforementioned trading partners. Comments are invited on any likely and significant environmental impacts of these three initiatives on Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable development. Mutually supportive trade and environmental policies can contribute to this objective. To this end, officers are undertaking an environmental assessment of these trade negotiations, guided by the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations with direction from the 1999 Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan, and Program Proposals.

For more information on the Environmental Assessment consultation, please visit:

Canada Gazette Notice – October 13, 2007

Additional information on these FTA initiatives is available on the following web sites:

· Canada-Dominican Republic FTA Negotiations

· Canada-Colombia-Peru FTA Negotiations

· Canada-CARICOM FTA Negotiations

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on likely and significant environmental impacts of these aforementioned FTAs on Canada by November 20, 2007. Please identify the specific FTA to which comments are being directed.

Contributions can be sent by email, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-3489

Mail:

Environmental Assessment of the [insert name of FTA]
Consultations and Liaison Division
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa Ontario K1A 0G2

Canada and Jordan - Proposed Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

Closing date: November 16, 2007

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the possible scope of a free trade agreement between Canada and Jordan. It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative. Therefore, we welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns with regard to a free trade agreement with Jordan.

For information about this initiative with Jordan and the consultations, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of October 20, 2007, as well as additional background information.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by November 16 , 2007. Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944- 0757

Mail:

Trade Negotiations Consultations (Jordan)
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa Ontario K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement

Closing date: November 16, 2007

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. On October 29, 2005, a Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Korea FTA negotiations was issued in the Canada Gazette and posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 45-day public consultation period until November 16, 2007. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Korea FTA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the negotiations.

· Initial Environmental Assessment Report – Canada Korea Free Trade Agreement (html | pdf 373 KB)

· Preliminary Assessment of the Economic Impacts of a Canada-Korea FTA (html | pdf 373 KB)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981
Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Final Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Peru Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: July 3, 2007

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, a Final Environmental Assessment of the negotiations between Canada and Peru towards a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) has been conducted to help negotiators better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

· Report of the Final Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Peru Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (html | pdf 78 KB)

· Background on Investment

· Background on FIPAs

All interested parties are invited to submit their comments by July 3, 2007.

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations & Liaison Division (CSL)
Environmental Assessment Consultations - Canada-Peru FIPA
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-India Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement

Closing date: June 25, 2007

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-India Foreign Investment and Promotion Agreement (FIPA) negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The Government of Canada is working closely with Provincial and Territorial Governments throughout the environmental assessment process. It has consulted with Canadians on this step of the environmental assessment, including business groups, non-governmental organizations and the general public. A Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the Canada-India FIPA negotiations was posted on the Trade Negotiations and Agreements website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on November 5, 2005.

The report on the Initial Environmental Assessment is now released for a 20-day public consultation period until June 25, 2007. We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-India FIPA negotiations. The Final Environmental Assessment report will be released after the conclusion of the Canada-India FIPA negotiations.

Report on the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-India Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) (html | pdf 175 KB)

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-7981

Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-India Foreign Investment Protection Agreement Negotiations
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Final Environmental Assessment of the Government Procurement Chapter to be added to the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement

In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, a Final Environmental Assessment of the negotiations between Canada and Chile towards a government procurement chapter to be added to the existing Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) has been conducted to help negotiators better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.

The report on this Final Environmental Assessment is now available and we welcome comments on its contents. The comments that are received will be circulated to the interdepartmental EA of Trade Steering Committee and will inform future environmental assessments of trade negotiations.

· Report of the Final Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Chile Government Procurement Chapter to be added to the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (html | pdf 18.8 KB)

Services

Consultations on Services Trade Negotiations
Online Questionnaire for Canadian Businesses

Services trade negotiations, especially for the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), are at a stage where more detailed information is necessary to advance Canada's interests. Canada will continue to pursue the objectives it laid out at the outset of negotiations. However, as trade negotiations progress, we need to decide where to concentrate our efforts.

Please take a few moments to fill in the on line questionnaire for your business sector. Your input will be used to help us refine Canada's negotiating strategy.

While it is not necessary, we suggest you read the brief background document detailing the input we have received in past consultations on Canadian export interests and the trade barriers faced by Canadian service providers.

Science & Technology

Negotiations of an S&T Cooperation Agreement with Brazil

Closing date: June 20, 2007

As the Government of Canada prepares to enter into the actual process of negotiations, your views and comments are sought on issues that may be of interest to you in relation to a Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Agreement that is going to be negotiated with Brazil.

Background

In 2005, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) was provided with a mandate to negotiate a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement with the government of Brazil. This agreement will be the final component of the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP) to be delivered, following the successful signings of agreements between Canada and Israel, India and China.
In March 2007, Canada held a Science, Technology and Innovation Forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during which DFAIT and the relevant S&T ministries in Brazil signed a Declaration of Intent *(218 kb) to enter into the process of negotiations to sign the Agreement.

As part of the consultation process pertaining to the upcoming negotiations, Canadians are invited to provide comments on issues that may be of interest in relation to the Agreement, by answering the following few questions put to your consideration:

1. As Canada is going forward with negotiations on a S&T treaty with Brazil, the starting point for the treaty text is the text of the S&T Agreements Canada has signed with India (155 KB) and China (186 KB) since it is likely to be very similar. What improvements would you like to see in the draft text Canada proposes to the Brazilians?

2. S&T Agreements usually provide a framework for cooperation, and this framework includes provisions for Memoranda of Undertanding (MOUs) which are used to set out the details of cooperation projects. S&T Agreements can either allow any eligible person or organization to enter into an MOU under the Agreement, or it can restrict participants to those which the Parties (Canada & Brazil) decide upon. Which of these two models would you prefer?

3. Article 11 and Annex 1 of the Canada-China S&T Agreement (186 KB) (pages 7 & 10 under that link) provide a framework for the protection of intellectual property (IP) under the Agreement. Would your organization be at all concerned if similar language were to be used to cover the IP aspects of a Canada-Brazil S&T Agreement?

4. Do you have anything else your organization would like to bring to our attention?

All interested parties are invited to provide written comments no later than June 20, 2007.

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-2452
Science and Technology Division (IIS)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Useful Links

· DFAIT's S&T Programs

· Canada's International S&T Network

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Compilation of textual proposals for a possible Trade Facilitation Agreement in the context of the Doha Round

Closing date: August 1, 2008

The purpose of this notice is to seek views from interested Canadian stakeholders regarding textual proposals submitted by WTO Members in the context of the Doha Round Trade Facilitation negotiations.

The objective of the Trade Facilitation negotiations is to achieve clarification and enhancement of GATT Article V (transit of merchandise through third countries), Article VIII (customs procedures and fees), Article X (publication and transparency of trade regulations), and to deal with the sharing of export information by customs administrations (also referred to in the WTO as “customs co-operation”).

WTO Members, including Canada, have made proposals for text to be incorporated into a possible Trade Facilitation Agreement. These proposals are known as “textual proposals” or “third-generation proposals”. They can all be found in the compilation document TN/TF/W/43/Rev.14 (pdf 56 pages, 421 kb). Documents pertaining to the Trade Facilitation negotiations can be found on the WTO Web site.

Further information on the Trade Facilitation negotiations and Canadian interests can be found elsewhere on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Web site.

All parties interested in submitting comments regarding this initiative are invited to do so by August 1, 2008.

Please send your contributions by email, mail or fax to:

E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca

Fax: (613) 944-7981
Consultations and Liaison Division (CSL)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2

Draft Chair's texts of the Anti-dumping and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures Agreements

Closing date: January 20, 2008

The purpose of this notice is to seek views from interested parties regarding the World Trade Organization negotiations on Rules. On November 30th, the Chairman of the WTO Negotiating Group on Rules (NGR) Uruguay's Ambassador to the WTO, Guillermo Valles Galmes, released a first draft of texts of proposed revisions to the Agreements on Anti-Dumping and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, including fisheries subsidies. The NGR met on December 12-14 to allow the Chairman to hear Members' first reactions to the text proposals. The NGR will meet again during the weeks of January 21 & 28 and February 11 & 18 to allow for more in-depth discussions. As part of this process, we invite you to review the text proposals provided below and provide feedback to Canada's negotiators.

· Background document (pdf 93 pages, 581 Kb)

Comments should be sent by e-mail at consultations@international.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 996-7411

or at:

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Trade Remedies Division (TNR)
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Others

Second stage of review of the OECD Sector Understanding on Export Credits for Renewable Energies and Water Projects - Consideration of the challenges related to climate change

Closing date: August 25, 2009

The purpose of this notice is to provide interested parties with an opportunity to participate in a consultation process relating to the possible expansion of the list of eligible sectors under the Sector Understanding on Export Credits for Renewable Energies and Water Projects (REWSU). The REWSU is an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) agreement that establishes the most generous export credit terms and conditions that export credit agencies, including Export Development Canada (EDC), may apply when providing officially supported export credits related to the financing of new or the modernization of existing renewable energies and water projects.

On June 24, 2009, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) announced that its members had agreed to make this Sector Understanding permanent and to enhance official support for export credits in the renewable energy and water sectors. The REWSU features repayment terms of up to 18 years and increased flexibility in repayment schedules, accompanied by revised fixed interest rates for the longer tenors.

The current list of eligible sectors consists of:

Wind energy
Geothermal energy
Tidal and tidal stream power
Wave power
Solar photovoltaic power
Solar thermal energy
Ocean thermal energy
Bio-energy (sustainable biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas, and biogas energy installations)
Projects related to the supply of water for human use and wastewater treatment
Hydro power
Energy efficiency in renewable energies projects

The second stage of the review, scheduled to conclude at the end of 2009, will consider the possible expansion of the scope of the REWSU to incorporate technologies related to climate change, including enhanced energy efficiency and low-carbon projects. Local costs and floating interest rates will also be considered.

In preparation for this second stage, the Government of Canada invites concerned stakeholders to indicate their interest in participating in a consultation process relating to the scoping of the OECD Sector Understanding on Export Credits for Renewable Energies and Water Projects. This consultation process will inform Canada’s position in preparation for the next round of discussions of the REWSU at the OECD in late September 2009.

Details on the REWSU
Text of the REWSU (pdf)

Please send expressions of interest in participating in the consultation process as soon as possible and no later than August 25, 2009. Please include your name, organization, area of interest, and contact info, and send via one of the following:

1. Email: rewsu-asere.bpa@international.gc.ca

2. Fax: 613-944-1574

3. Mail:

c/o: OECD / REWSU
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
International Trade Portfolio and Strategic Analysis Division (BPA)
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2

N.B. Please do not hesitate to forward this notice to other Canadian stakeholders who may have an interest in participating in the consultation process.

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