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PANEL SUBMITS REPORT REGARDING A REQUEST FOR SUMMARY DISMISSAL IN THE DISPUTE BETWEEN JULMAC CONTRACTING LIMITED AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW BRUNSWICK
Winnipeg – May 26, 2025 A Panel formed under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) issued a Report on a…
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FIRST MINISTERS’ STATEMENT ON ELIMINATING INTERNAL TRADE BARRIERS IN CANADA
March 5, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario In the face of the United States’ unjustified decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods,…
Our Achievements
In December 2014, federal, provincial and territorial governments began negotiations to strengthen and modernize the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT). They were guided by direction from premiers and the federal government to secure an ambitious, balanced and equitable agreement that would level the playing field for trade and investment in Canada.
Enhanced & modernized trade rules
The CFTA introduces advancements to Canada’s internal trade that enhance the flow of goods & services, investment & labour mobility, eliminates technical barriers to trade, greatly expands procurement coverage, and promotes regulatory cooperation within Canada.
Comprehensive free trade rules
The CFTA’s rules apply automatically to almost all areas of economic activity in Canada, with any exceptions being clearly identified which enhances innovation as new goods & services such as the sharing economy, clean technologies, are covered by rules designed to promote Canada’s long-term economic development.
Alignment with international obligations
The CFTA better aligns with Canada’s commitments under international trade agreements such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This reduces compliance costs for Canadian firms who do business both at home and internationally.
Government procurement more open to Canadian business
All governments have made precedent-setting commitments to promote open procurement practices. These commitments help create a level playing field for companies operating across Canada, and boost value-for-money in government purchasing.
Resolving regulatory barriers
Governments agreed to establish a regulatory reconciliation process to address regulatory differences across jurisdictions that act as a barrier to trade. The CFTA also introduces a mechanism to promote regulatory cooperation, which equips governments to develop common regulatory approaches for emerging sectors.
Strengthened dispute settlement
The CFTA increases the maximum monetary penalties for governments that act in a manner that is inconsistent with the Agreement. Penalties vary based on population, the penalties for larger jurisdictions have doubled from a maximum of $5 million under the AIT to a maximum of $10 million under the new CFTA.
Protecting public policy objectives
The CFTA preserves the ability of governments to adopt and apply their own laws & regulations for economic activity in the public interest in order to achieve public policy objectives. Such objectives include the protection of public health, social services, safety, consumer protection, the promotion & protection of cultural diversity & workers’ rights.
Promoting strengthened domestic trade in the future
The CFTA creates several forward-looking processes and working groups to help strengthen Canada’s economic union into the future.Join the Conversation on Internal Trade
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Agreement Overview
Protocols of Amendment
Annual Reports
Each year the CFTA prepares an annual report on its work. This annual report includes an overview of achievements, stakeholder engagement, the work plans and upcoming work.
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Annual Report – April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) entered into force on July 1, 2017. The Parties are the 14 federal, provincial,…
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Annual Report – April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Overview of the Agreement The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) entered into force on July 1, 2017. The CFTA’s objective…
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