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Consulting Canadians on a possible Canada-Pacific Alliance Free Trade Agreement

From Global Affairs Canada

Current status: CLOSED
Written submissions must be received by September 10, 2017.

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Promoting trade and investment with emerging markets is a priority for the Government of Canada. The government's approach is one that puts the interests of Canadians and opportunities for the middle class, women, youth and Indigenous people front and centre.

In 2011, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru founded the Pacific Alliance, a regional integration initiative that aims to increase cooperation by creating common rules to promote greater competitiveness and economic growth, and expand their economic relations with the Asia-Pacific region.

With a combined GDP of $2.3 trillion and a total population of more than 220 million, the Alliance represents a considerable market for Canada.

Canada is already an observer of the Alliance. In June 2017, the Pacific Alliance invited Canada and three other observers (Australia, New Zealand and Singapore) to become Associate Members of the Pacific Alliance, a process that includes the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the bloc.

In 2016, Canada’s merchandise trade with the Pacific Alliance member countries reached $48 billion. The four Alliance countries now account for more than 75 percent of Canada’s two-way trade with the whole Latin American region.

Noting that Canada already has FTAs with each of the Pacific Alliance members, we want the Canadian public and interested Canadian stakeholders to help define our priorities in a possible new FTA with the Pacific Alliance as a bloc. We want to hear from you.

Why is Canada holding consultations on a possible Canada-Pacific Alliance Free Trade Agreement?

We want to hear from you. We need to hear your ideas, your experiences, and your priorities through these consultations.

Help us define Canada’s interests in a possible free trade agreement with the Pacific Alliance as a bloc, and identify opportunities to create wealth, innovation and jobs for Canadians.

Who is invited to participate?

We want to hear the views of all Canadians, including: 

  • Individuals
  • Businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Industry associations
  • Experts/Academics
  • Civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations
  • Labour unions
  • Provincial, territorial and municipal governments
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Students and youth
  • Any other interested Canadian stakeholders

What will be the focus of consultations?

Canada already has comprehensive free trade agreements (FTAs) with all four members of the Alliance.

Deepening our commercial relationship with Alliance members supports Canada’s interests in diversifying trade and strengthening linkages in Latin America.

The focus these of consultations is to determine how Canada should best proceed regarding a possible FTA with the Pacific Alliance as a bloc. 

A new negotiation offers the chance to:

  • modernize and expand elements of existing bilateral FTAs;
  • improve legal certainty and transparency for Canadian businesses; and
  • consider new progressive trade elements, such as trade and gender. 

This consultation is also intended to help the government in understanding any other issues relevant to this possible FTA.

A Canada Gazette notice on a possible Canada-Pacific Alliance FTA outlines areas for which the government is seeking your views.

What is the deadline for consultation submissions?

The submission period for the Canada Gazette notice will last 30 days, and end on September 10, 2017. We are committed to hearing from Canadians on this important subject and will ensure that Canadians continue to have the opportunity to provide their views as we engage with Pacific Alliance, including through our ongoing consultation efforts.

How do I participate?

The government is seeking written views of all interested Canadians by email at consultations@international.gc.ca or by sending comments to the address provided below.

Canada–Pacific Alliance Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Negotiations Division (TCW)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Please provide your written submissions in response to the Canada Gazette notice by September 10, 2017.

Please read the privacy notice statement carefully prior to sending a written submission.

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