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Notice of intent to conduct impact assessments, including an initial environmental assessment and gender-based analysis plus, on possible Canada-United Kingdom bilateral trade negotiations

On March 13, 2021, the Government of Canada launched public consultations to seek the views of Canadians on possible Canada-United Kingdom bilateral trade negotiations.

In parallel, the government is seeking the views of Canadians on the potential impacts and opportunities that a Canada-United Kingdom bilateral trade agreement could have with respect to the environment—including on greenhouse-gas emissions—through an initial environmental assessment (EA). The government will also examine gender and other diversity considerations through gender-based analysis plus (GBA+). For more information on GBA+ of trade policy and trade agreements, please consult Overview: Trade policy and gender-based analysis plus.

In accordance with the cabinet directive on environmental assessment of policy, plan and program proposals, Global Affairs Canada conducts environmental assessments for all trade and investment negotiations using a process that requires interdepartmental coordination and public consultation. The objectives of the EA of a trade agreement are:

The government will also conduct an economic impact assessment (EIA) of a possible Canada-United Kingdom bilateral trade agreement. Findings from the EIA, which will include assessing the expected impact of a possible bilateral trade agreement on the Canadian labour market, are used to inform both the EA and the GBA+.

Public consultations are an important part of this process, and they help to inform the initial impact assessments of Canada-United Kingdom bilateral trade negotiations. Once negotiations conclude, and prior to the ratification of the agreement, the government will undertake a final EIA, final EA and final GBA+ to assess the potential impacts of the negotiated outcome on the environment and on labour, gender and inclusivity.

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of industry stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples and all interested Canadian citizens. Interested parties are invited to submit their views by May 5, 2021. Please be advised that the government will consider as public any information it receives in this consultation unless the contributor explicitly specifies otherwise.

Submissions should include the following information:

  1. The contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business
  2. The specific issues being addressed
  3. Where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact that rationale may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests

Contributions can be sent by email or mail

Email: consultations@international.gc.ca

Mailing address:

Canada-United Kingdom Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Negotiations Division
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

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