Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

October 4^th marks an important date in Canada-U.S. trade relations. Twenty years ago, in 1987, both countries agreed to the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations toward a free trade agreement with the U.S. began in 1985. Sixteen months later, the two nations agreed to a historic agreement that placed Canada {and the United States} at the forefront of trade liberalization.

Key elements of the agreement included the elimination of tariffs, the reduction of many non-tariff barriers, and it was among the first trade agreements to address trade in services. It also included a dispute settlement mechanism for the fair and expeditious resolution of trade disputes.

• Op-ed - Minister Emerson: Free Trade Works
• News Release - October 3, 2007
• Canada- U.S. FTA (pdf 10 MB)
• Fast Facts: Canada-US FTA (html | pdf 48kb)