International Trade

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with Japan. Witnesses from the Canadian Cattle Association and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority spoke about the opportunities and challenges in expanding trade with Japan. The committee also heard from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Forest Products Association of Canada on strategies to strengthen economic ties with Japan, focusing on economic security, supply chain resilience, and advanced industries. Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association highlighted Japan as Canada's second-largest beef export market, emphasizing the importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in reducing tariffs and promoting rules-based trade. He cautioned against trade diversification efforts that could undermine Canadian beef producers, such as negotiations with Mercosur countries. Alexa Young from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority discussed the port's role in facilitating trade with the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Japan, and stressed the need for investments in trade-enabling infrastructure and regulatory improvements. Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada argued that Canada-Japan trade relations are evolving into a strategic economic partnership focused on economic security and advanced industries. He emphasized the need for Canada to move beyond being a supplier of raw materials and become a trusted industrial and innovation partner. Matthew Holmes from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlighted the importance of the Canada-Japan Chambers Council and the new comprehensive strategic partnership in strengthening business ties. Derek Nighbor from the Forest Products Association of Canada discussed the forest sector's trade with Japan, emphasizing the need to defend and grow lumber share and promote mass timber and advanced wood building systems. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of Canada-Japan trade, including market access, non-tariff barriers, infrastructure needs, and the impact of trade agreements. They also discussed the potential for expanding trade in specific sectors, such as beef, seafood, and forest products. The committee explored strategies to support Canadian businesses in navigating the Japanese market and attracting Japanese investment to Canada. The committee identified the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, support for Canadian businesses, and strategic partnerships to enhance trade relations with Japan. The committee will meet again to further discuss trade relations between Canada and Japan.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. The committee heard from witnesses representing manufacturers, unions, and economic research organizations. The discussion focused on reducing interprovincial trade barriers and improving the flow of goods, services, and labor across provincial borders. Ryan Greer from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters argued for mutual recognition of standards across provinces, rather than trying to harmonize them, which he sees as too slow and difficult. He suggested a national scorecard to track each province's progress and urged the federal government to use financial incentives to encourage provinces to align their regulations. Caroline Senneville, representing the Confédération des syndicats nationaux, expressed concerns about lowering standards, especially in health and safety, and emphasized the importance of protecting the French language. She also noted that distance is a major factor for businesses, not just regulations. Ryan Manucha from the C.D. Howe Institute highlighted the economic costs of internal trade barriers and suggested several federal actions. These included updating the Statutory Instruments Act to rely on consensus-based standards, strengthening the Competition Bureau's ability to study internal trade, and conditioning labor market funding on provinces meeting credential recognition standards. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the current state of internal trade, the role of the federal government, and potential challenges and benefits of reducing trade barriers. Committee members generally agreed on the need to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, but there were different views on how to achieve this while protecting regional interests and standards. The committee plans to continue studying free trade within Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. Witnesses discussed barriers to trade between provinces and potential solutions. The committee heard from experts in law, business, and economics, who offered different perspectives on the issue. Mark Mancini, a law professor, spoke about constitutional barriers to free trade and suggested a joint federal-provincial agency to address them. He argued that the Constitution divides economic power between the federal and provincial governments, leading to different regulations that create trade barriers. He proposed an agency that would mandate mutual recognition of standards, develop national standards, and recommend barrier removal. Pascal Chan from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need to overcome cultural and mindset obstacles to free trade. He noted that internal trade barriers limit economic growth and that provinces need to remove their own barriers. He suggested the federal government could use its financial transfers to the provinces as a way to encourage them to eliminate trade barriers. Michael McCain, executive chair of Maple Leaf Foods, raised concerns about food safety. He argued against nationalizing what he called "subpar" provincial food safety regulations. He advocated for a single national standard enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure food safety and facilitate trade.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with North and West Africa. The committee heard from several witnesses including Thierry Warin, a professor at HEC Montréal, Macaulay Kalu from the African Union Sixth Region Global, and representatives from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Marie-Gloriose Ingabire and Erin Tansey. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges Canada faces in expanding trade with these regions, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Committee members were interested in how Canada can diversify its trade relationships beyond the United States and leverage the African diaspora to strengthen ties with African nations. Thierry Warin emphasized the need for Canada to identify specific products and value chains where it has a competitive advantage in African markets. He noted that while trade between Canada and Africa is currently modest, there is potential for growth, particularly in agri-food and energy sectors. Macaulay Kalu urged Canada to act with more urgency and strategic intent in engaging with Africa, suggesting a hub-and-spoke approach focusing on key markets like Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco. He stressed the importance of leveraging the African diaspora as a valuable asset for building trust and facilitating trade. The IDRC representatives highlighted the importance of locally led research and system-level collaboration to unlock trade opportunities. They pointed out that investments in evidence, institutions, and regulatory cooperation are essential for creating mutually beneficial trade outcomes. Committee members asked about specific opportunities for trade development, the role of Export Development Canada (EDC) in supporting Canadian businesses, and the potential for leveraging the francophonie to enhance trade relations. Witnesses emphasized the need for tailored financial products and support mechanisms to facilitate Canadian businesses' entry into African markets. During the second panel, Jackson Igbinosun from the AfriCanada Economic Summit Group, Joanne Tognarelli and Todd Winterhalt from Export Development Canada, and Fatima Meite from the Canada Mali Chamber of Commerce - Association, discussed strategies for enhancing Canada-Africa trade. Igbinosun recommended establishing a coordinated market access platform and strengthening risk-sharing mechanisms. Winterhalt noted EDC's support for Canadian companies in Africa and the growing interest in diversifying trade beyond the U.S. Meite emphasized the need for a Canada-Africa trade strategy focused on West and North Africa, along with a dedicated SME fund. The committee identified the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to trade with Africa, leveraging the expertise of the diaspora and focusing on key sectors and markets. They also discussed the importance of addressing challenges such as political instability, regulatory complexities, and competition from other global players. The committee agreed to review a list of companies and documents related to a large tariff loan facility in an in-camera meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. Witnesses from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ), and QSL International Ltd. shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in interprovincial trade. The committee also heard from the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc, along with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the Privy Council Office. Corinne Pohlmann from CFIB highlighted that small businesses still face significant barriers to internal trade, including inconsistent application of mutual recognition agreements, exclusion of key sectors like services and alcohol, and regulatory duplication affecting labor mobility. She urged governments to fully implement pan-Canadian mutual recognition, expand it to cover more sectors, and provide clear implementation plans for businesses. Julie White from MEQ emphasized the importance of the manufacturing sector in Quebec and the need to address transportation and supply chain issues to facilitate interprovincial trade. She suggested mutual recognition of regulations as a way to reduce transportation times and costs. Robert Bellisle from QSL International Ltd. discussed the essential role of marine transportation in the Canadian economy and the need to streamline consultation and permitting processes for port infrastructure projects. Minister LeBlanc discussed the government's efforts to remove federal barriers to internal trade and work with provinces and territories to achieve true free trade within Canada. He highlighted the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods and the memorandum of understanding on interprovincial trucking. He also noted the importance of harmonizing building codes and advancing digital credential recognition. Committee members questioned the witnesses and the Minister on the progress made in reducing internal trade barriers, the challenges faced by businesses, and the role of the federal government in promoting interprovincial trade. The committee discussed the importance of respecting provincial jurisdiction while working towards a common goal of free trade within Canada. There was also discussion about the need for federal leadership and the potential use of constitutional authority to address interprovincial trade barriers. The committee agreed to continue its study of free trade within Canada and to invite further witnesses to provide additional perspectives on the issue. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee agreed to continue its study of free trade within Canada. The committee requested additional information from the Minister regarding the economic impact of removing federal barriers to internal trade.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with North and West Africa. The committee heard from Senator Amina Gerba and Sylvain Tétreault, an international business facilitator, about opportunities and challenges in the African market. Senator Gerba emphasized the need for Canada to prioritize Africa in its trade diversification strategy, strengthen financial tools, organize high-level trade missions, and address visa processing issues. Mr. Tétreault highlighted the importance of selling expertise rather than just products, addressing visa obstacles for African businesspeople, and improving coordination between government departments. Committee members asked questions about specific opportunities in sectors like agri-food, mining, and education. They also discussed the administrative burdens faced by businesses, the role of the francophonie, and the need for Canada to differentiate itself from other global powers like China in its approach to trade with Africa. Witnesses emphasized the importance of understanding local markets, building trust, and providing support to Canadian companies seeking to do business in Africa. Later in the meeting, the committee heard from Carl Viel of Québec International, David Collins, a professor of international economic law, and Parfait Aïhounhin from the Chambre de commerce Québec-Afrique. They discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area, the importance of traceability in supply chains, and the need for Canada to strengthen its presence on the African continent. The committee agreed to continue pursuing the appearance of the Minister of International Trade to discuss trade with Taiwan.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with Mercosur countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Aaron Fowler from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, spoke about the importance of strengthening trade ties with these countries, especially to diversify Canada's trade beyond the U.S. He mentioned that negotiations for a free trade agreement had restarted after being paused due to COVID-19, with the goal of finalizing an agreement soon. Evan Lewis from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, assured the committee that any trade agreements would not compromise Canada's food safety or animal health standards. He emphasized that imported goods must meet Canada's strict requirements. During the meeting, committee members raised concerns about the safety of imported agricultural products, particularly meat, from Mercosur countries. They questioned whether these countries' standards were high enough to prevent food safety issues. Mr. Lewis responded that Canada assesses each country's ability to meet Canadian standards before allowing imports. Members also discussed the potential impact of increased trade with Mercosur on Canadian farmers, especially those in supply-managed sectors like dairy and poultry. Axel Ndayisaba from the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acknowledged these concerns and said the government was working to balance the interests of all sectors. The committee also briefly discussed Canada's trade with Ukraine, noting that a modernized free trade agreement was in effect but that the ongoing conflict was significantly impacting trade. Finally, the committee agreed to host the Swiss Speaker and cover hospitality expenses. They requested a written summary of public consultations regarding the proposed trade agreement with Mercosur. The committee then shifted focus to Canada's trade with North and West Africa, hearing from Mohamad Sawwaf of the Canada-Arab Business Council and Anthony Salloum of the ONE Campaign. Both emphasized the importance of Africa for Canada's trade diversification strategy. Mr. Sawwaf highlighted Canada's advantages, including its diaspora, the Francophonie, and alignment in sectors like clean technology. He recommended developing a specific trade strategy for North and West Africa, improving SME access to export financing, and establishing a diaspora trade diplomacy program. Mr. Salloum echoed the need for a clear implementation plan with measurable goals, a prime minister-led trade mission to Africa, and dedicated financing to support Canada-Africa investment. Committee members discussed the slow progress of Canada's Africa strategy and the need for greater political will and reduced bureaucracy. They also addressed concerns about transparency and corruption in African countries, suggesting a phased approach starting with countries that have better governance. The committee explored opportunities for Canadian businesses in sectors like aerospace, clean energy, and AI, and the potential for increasing trade in agricultural products like wheat, coffee, and chocolate. The committee also approved a motion to request information from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding system outages.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss trade with Mercosur countries and North and West Africa. Witnesses from the Canadian Meat Council, Chicken Farmers of Canada, and Fertilizer Canada shared their perspectives on trade agreements. The Canadian Meat Council expressed caution about prioritizing Mercosur, emphasizing the need for safeguards and strong trade rules. Chicken Farmers of Canada voiced concerns about the potential impact on domestic food production and the supply management system, particularly regarding imports from Brazil. Fertilizer Canada highlighted the success of potash exports to Brazil but stressed the importance of reliable supply chains and addressing trade barriers. Claire Citeau from the Canadian Meat Council said that Mercosur is not a priority for Canadian meat producers. Tim Klompmaker from Chicken Farmers of Canada said that a trade agreement with Mercosur could hurt Canadian chicken farmers. Michael Bourque from Fertilizer Canada said that Canada should try to remove a vessel-based import tax in Brazil to help Canadian potash exports. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the potential risks and benefits of trade agreements, focusing on competition, food security, and supply chain issues. The committee also discussed a motion related to CBSA outages and another related to the large enterprise tariff loan facility, but both were deferred for further consideration at a later meeting.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss trade relations with China and Qatar. The first panel of witnesses included experts on trade, agriculture, and national security. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston warned about the risks of importing Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns about data security, forced labor, and Chinese government influence. She suggested safeguards for joint ventures with Chinese companies, such as requiring Canadian control and technology transfer to Canadian firms. Tyler Fulton and Andrea Brocklebank from the Canadian Cattle Association discussed the importance of trade diversification for the beef industry, including renewed access to the Chinese market and opportunities in the Gulf region. They emphasized the need for halal accreditation and support for the beef industry. Bill Prybylski from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture highlighted the impact of Chinese tariffs on Canadian farmers and the need for stable, predictable market access. He also stressed the importance of diversifying into other markets and expanding value-added processing in Canada. The second panel included Garry Clement, Edmund Fitton-Brown, and Geoff Irvine. Garry Clement spoke about the economic, political, and strategic impact of China on Canada, emphasizing the need to treat economic security as national security. He warned about intellectual property theft, foreign interference, and the integration of state authority and corporate activity in China. Geoff Irvine from the Lobster Council of Canada discussed the challenges and opportunities in the Chinese and Qatari lobster markets, including the impact of tariffs and competition from other countries. Edmund Fitton-Brown from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies cautioned about Qatari investment, citing concerns about its Islamist agenda and strategic influence.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay). The committee heard from representatives from various Canadian industries, including beef and pork producers, poultry farmers, manufacturers, and the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Several witnesses from the Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Pork Council, and Les Éleveurs de volailles du Québec expressed concerns about increasing access for Mercosur countries to the Canadian market. They argued that Mercosur countries have lower production costs, different standards for animal welfare and food safety, and could potentially harm Canadian producers. They worried about unfair competition and the impact on Canadian jobs and rural economies. Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association also warned that increased beef imports from Mercosur could damage Canada's relationship with the United States. On the other hand, Paola Saad from the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce argued that a well-structured trade agreement with Mercosur could unlock significant economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. She emphasized the importance of investment liberalization, strong investor protections, and addressing non-tariff barriers. Ryan Greer from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters also supported deeper engagement with Mercosur, but stressed that domestic competitiveness is crucial for Canadian firms to succeed. The committee members discussed the potential benefits and risks of a trade agreement with Mercosur, focusing on issues such as market access, environmental standards, and the impact on Canadian industries. They agreed to invite representatives from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to a future meeting to discuss food safety and animal health concerns related to Mercosur trade.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relations with China and Qatar. The committee heard from Bijan Ahmadi of the Canada China Business Council, who emphasized the economic importance of trade with China, highlighting that it supports over 400,000 Canadian jobs. Ahmadi suggested improvements to trade such as lowering tariffs on Canadian pork and improving visa processing for Chinese partners. Michael Kovrig from StrategicEffects cautioned against increasing economic dependence on China, citing risks to Canadian sovereignty and national security, and suggested Canada should proceed cautiously with any new agreements. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses about the risks and benefits of trade with China. Kovrig warned about China's global agenda and the potential for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to use economic leverage to influence Canadian policy. He also raised concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) entering the Canadian market. Ahmadi acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of maintaining a pragmatic and well-structured engagement strategy with China. Later in the meeting, the committee heard from Charles Burton, a senior fellow at Sinopsis, who expressed concerns about Canada's "strategic partnership" with China and the potential for the CCP to exploit it for its geostrategic purposes. Dustin Pike and Brittany Wood from the Canadian Canola Growers Association discussed the importance of the Chinese market for canola farmers and the recent agreement to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed and meal. Mehmet Tohti, from the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, raised concerns about forced labor in China and the need for Canada to strengthen its border controls to prevent the import of goods made with forced labor. The committee discussed the importance of balancing economic opportunities with human rights concerns and national security considerations.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss a proposed law about forced labour in supply chains. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay from the Bloc Québécois party introduced a motion criticizing the government for not introducing the law as promised in previous budgets. He pointed out that the government had promised this law in their 2023 and 2024 budgets, but it was not mentioned in the 2025 budget, and no law has been presented yet. Yasir Naqvi from the Liberal party suggested changing the motion. Instead of just criticizing the government, he proposed that the committee should ask the government to promise again to introduce the law and provide a detailed response about their plans. Savard-Tremblay agreed to this change. The committee members voted in favour of the changed motion. This means the committee will now ask the government to renew its promise to create a law against forced labour in supply chains and to explain their plan in detail. After this decision, the meeting moved to a private session.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss proposed law C-18, which would put the trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia into effect. Committee members went through the proposed law section by section, suggesting changes. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay from the Bloc Québécois party proposed several changes related to environmental and human rights concerns, particularly regarding the palm oil industry in Indonesia. He wanted more monitoring and reporting on these issues. Some of Savard-Tremblay's proposed changes were initially rejected by the committee chair, but the committee members voted to allow them to be considered. Aaron Fowler from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, explained that the trade agreement already had some ways to deal with environmental and labor issues. He also said that Canada imports a very small amount of palm oil from Indonesia. Meda-Cristina Horacsek from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was asked about goods seized due to human rights violations, but she didn't have the information immediately available. Ultimately, some of Savard-Tremblay's proposed changes were voted down, but one requiring an annual report related to human rights was accepted. Another successful amendment required a review of the agreement every three years. The committee then voted on each section of the proposed law, and it was passed with some opposition from the Bloc Québécois. The committee also agreed to add more associate members and discussed a work plan for future meetings, including a study on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss a proposed law to implement a trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. The committee heard from several witnesses who presented different perspectives on the agreement. The meeting began with adopting the study budget for the proposed law. Ian Lee, an associate professor, spoke about the importance of trade for a country's prosperity, arguing against protectionist policies. Jason Easton, representing AtkinsRéalis, highlighted the potential benefits of the agreement for Canadian companies, particularly in the nuclear energy sector. He emphasized that the agreement could create a more predictable environment for Canadian expertise to be applied to major projects in Indonesia. Michael Harvey, from the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, supported the agreement, stating that it could open new doors for Canadian agri-food exporters in a growing market. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the agreement, including its potential impact on trade with the United States, opportunities for Canadian businesses in Indonesia, and concerns about labor and environmental standards. Stuart Trew, from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, raised concerns about the agreement's investor-state dispute settlement process and its potential impact on human rights and environmental protection. Representatives from the Canadian Meat Council and Soy Canada spoke about the potential benefits of the agreement for their respective industries. The committee identified that amendments to the proposed law needed to be submitted by 6 p.m. that day, with a clause-by-clause review scheduled for the following Thursday. The committee is working towards a decision on whether to recommend the proposed law.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss a proposed law to implement a trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu explained that the agreement aims to create opportunities for Canadian businesses in a growing Indonesian market. He highlighted sectors like agriculture, forestry, and clean technology as areas where Canada can benefit. Minister Sidhu emphasized the importance of trade diversification for Canada's economic future. Committee members questioned the potential economic impact of the agreement, with some noting that a large percentage of Canadian goods already enter Indonesia duty-free. There were also questions about steel dumping, human rights, and environmental concerns in Indonesia. Members discussed whether the proposed law adequately addresses these issues. Minister Sidhu assured the committee that the agreement includes enforceable labor provisions and opens avenues for dialogue on environmental standards. The committee then moved to a clause-by-clause review of a proposed law related to international investment dispute settlements. Members debated several amendments, including proposals for increased transparency and reporting on the agreement's impact. Some amendments were ruled out of order, while one amendment requiring a review of the agreement every three years was approved. The committee ultimately approved the proposed law with amendments.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss proposed law C-13 regarding the UK's entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Witnesses from various organizations shared their perspectives on the potential impacts of this agreement. Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada spoke about the strategic importance of CPTPP expansion for Canada, emphasizing the need to build trade relationships with like-minded countries. Representatives from the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council expressed concerns about non-tariff barriers to trade with the UK, specifically regarding sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The Canadian Cattle Association also voiced opposition to the UK's accession due to these ongoing trade barriers. They argued that Canada lost negotiating power by allowing the UK to join CPTPP without addressing these issues. The Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners raised the issue of frozen pensions for UK pensioners living in Canada, urging the committee to delay ratification until the UK commits to addressing this inequity. The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce supported the proposed law, highlighting the benefits of increased trade and investment between the two countries. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the proposed law, including the potential economic impacts, the fairness of trade relations, and the need to address non-tariff barriers. Some members expressed concern that Canada was giving up negotiating leverage without securing meaningful concessions from the UK. The committee discussed potential amendments to the proposed law and planned future meetings to continue their study. The committee agreed that any amendments to the proposed law would need to be submitted by 6 p.m. that evening.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Bill C-13, which would bring the United Kingdom into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relationships with the U.K., highlighting that the proposed law would build upon existing agreements and create opportunities for Canadian businesses. He also addressed concerns about trade irritants and the need to ensure fair treatment for Canadian workers and exporters. The minister also defended his recent trip to China as necessary to resolve trade issues important to Canadian industries. Committee members raised questions about the benefits of the proposed law compared to previous trade agreements with the U.K. Conservative committee members argued that the deal was worse than the previous trade continuity agreement, citing higher tariff rates and weaker protections. They also questioned the government's approach to trade with China, expressing concerns about forging a strategic partnership with a country considered a security threat. The Minister responded that the CPTPP has opened up more access for many industries and that countries are lining up to join because of the high quality standards. Liberal committee members focused on the opportunities the proposed law would create for specific sectors, such as aerospace and clean technology. They also inquired about the government's efforts to support Canadian businesses in taking advantage of trade agreements. Bloc Québécois members questioned the government's compliance with its own policy on tabling treaties and raised concerns about investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency provided additional information and answered questions from committee members. The committee agreed to set a deadline of February 3 at 6 p.m. for proposing amendments to the proposed law, with plans to proceed to clause-by-clause consideration shortly thereafter.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss trade issues. The first part of the meeting focused on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the challenges posed by global economic tensions, particularly the trade war with the United States. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly outlined the government's plan to protect and create jobs, attract talent and investment, and support industries affected by American tariffs. She emphasized the government's commitment to holding Stellantis accountable for its commitments to the Canadian auto industry and announced a notice of default under the contracts. Committee members questioned the minister on the details of the Stellantis contract and the government's approach to protecting jobs in the auto sector. They also discussed the importance of the cultural exemption in CUSMA and the impact of U.S. tariffs on various Canadian industries, including steel, aluminum, and lumber. The minister defended the government's actions and highlighted its efforts to support businesses and workers affected by the trade war. The second part of the meeting shifted to a discussion on forced labor in Canadian supply chains and related imports. Several experts in international trade and supply chain compliance testified before the committee. Sabrina Bandali discussed the challenges importers face in complying with the current law, which prohibits the importation of goods made with forced labor. She highlighted the difficulties in tracing supply chains and obtaining reliable information about labor practices. Stephen Pike provided context on the scope of forced labor and child labor exploitation globally and noted Canada's unique approach to addressing these issues through the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Sean Stephenson emphasized the need for greater transparency from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and clearer guidance for importers on complying with the forced labor ban. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the forced labor issue, including the effectiveness of current enforcement measures, the need for greater transparency from the CBSA, and the potential impact of proposed legislation to create a rebuttable presumption that goods from certain regions are made with forced labor. The witnesses offered recommendations for improving Canada's approach to combating forced labor, including providing clearer guidance to importers, increasing transparency from the CBSA, and considering civil enforcement mechanisms. A Bloc Québécois member tabled a motion urging the government to act on its commitment to eliminate forced labor from Canadian supply chains, but discussion and a vote were deferred to a future meeting.