Public consultation:
Possible Modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement

Diversifying trade and investment with key markets around the world is a priority of the Government of Canada. The government is also committed to strengthening Canada’s ties with existing free trade agreement partners.

The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), which entered into force on August 1, 2017, represents an important milestone in the Canada–Ukraine bilateral relationship. In addition to generating commercial benefits for Canadian businesses, CUFTA supports the economic reform efforts of the Government of Ukraine, and helps pave the way for long-term security, stability, and broad-based economic development in Ukraine.

The Government of Canada is soliciting the views of the Canadian public and interested Canadian stakeholders on the possible modernization of the CUFTA.

Stakeholders have until 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on March 16, 2020, to submit their responses, comments and suggestions.

Why is Canada holding consultations on possible CUFTA modernization negotiations?

In July 2019 Prime Minister Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a mutual commitment to expand and modernize the CUFTA. A modernization of the CUFTA provides an opportunity to increase the Agreement’s benefits for Canadians by further diversifying and expanding Canada’s preferential access to Ukraine, and advancing an inclusive approach to trade in order that the benefits of trade are widely shared. A modernization of the CUFTA would also help reinforce the rules-based international system and promote the development of global value chains, strengthening Canada’s connectivity to the region.

The CUFTA contains a review clause (Article 19.2) that commits the Parties to review the Agreement within two years of its entry into force “with a view to examining the further development and deepening of its provisions, and to extending it to subject matters not covered by the Agreement.” The review clause identifies the areas of cross-border trade in services (CBTS), financial services, investment, telecommunications, and temporary entry, but does not restrict the Parties to exploring other potential areas of the Agreement. 

What will be the focus of consultations?

The focus of public consultations is to determine how Canada should best prioritize and proceed with possible CUFTA modernization negotiations, including in areas such as services, investment, and inclusive trade. This consultation will help the government understand any issues or concerns that are relevant in modernization negotiations.

A Canada Gazette notice on possible CUFTA modernization negotiations outlines areas for which the government is seeking your views.

Who should participate?

The Government of Canada is soliciting the views of the Canadian public and interested Canadian stakeholders on a possible CUFTA modernization, including:

• individuals
• businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises
• industry associations
• experts and academics
• civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations
• labour unions
• provincial, territorial and municipal governments
• Indigenous peoples and organizations
• students and youth
• any other interested Canadian stakeholders

What is the deadline for consultation submissions?

The submission period for the Canada Gazette notice will last 30 days and end on March 16, 2020. 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.

How do I participate?

The Government of Canada is seeking written views of all interested Canadians by email to the Canada-Ukraine FTA team at CUFTA-Consultations@international.gc.ca or by mail to the address below:

Canada-Ukraine FTA Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Policy and Negotiations (TCE)
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2

Please provide your written submissions in response to the Canada Gazette notice by March 16, 2020.

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

Additional information on Canada’s relationship with Ukraine