Standing Committee on International Trade

Comité permanent du commerce international

For immediate release

Ottawa, February 28, 2013 -

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade released a report on an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between Canada and Japan, recommending that – as soon as possible – the Government of Canada conclude such an agreement with Japan that provides a net benefit to Canada.

“The majority of Canadian and Japanese stakeholders from whom the Committee heard supported the EPA negotiations and pointed out the complementarity of the Canadian and Japanese economies. In light of this evidence, I believe that implementation of the Committee’s recommendations would not only lead to greater economic integration between Canada and Japan, but could also have positive impacts that go beyond the agreement itself because of its symbolic value,” said the Honourable Rob Merrified, P.C., M.P., chair of the Committee.

Mr. Merrifield concluded: “On behalf of the Committee, I wish to thank the groups and individuals who shared their thoughts about the ongoing EPA negotiations. Their input was invaluable as the report and its recommendations were prepared.”

The Committee held hearings in Ottawa from May to November 2012. Half of the Committee members travelled to Japan in late October and early November 2012 to meet with Japanese parliamentarians, officials of the Government of Japan and stakeholders that are involved or have an interest in the negotiations.

The report contains six recommendations:

• That the Government of Canada, as soon as possible, conclude an economic partnership agreement with Japan that provides a net benefit to Canada.

• That in relation to the goods and services of interest to Canada, the Government of Canada ensure access to the Japanese market that is at least equivalent to the commitments made by the Japanese government to other countries.

• That the Government of Canada negotiate a reduction in or elimination of Japan’s escalating tariffs, especially those in relation to processed agricultural products.

• That, concurrent with the negotiations for an economic partnership agreement with Japan, the Government of Canada advance negotiations on an organic equivalency recognition agreement between the two countries.

• That the Government of Canada develop an action plan to support Canadian exporters and investors seeking to access the Japanese market following the entry into force of an economic partnership agreement between Canada and Japan.

• That, following the conclusion of an economic partnership agreement with Japan, the Government of Canada review its diplomatic presence in Osaka.

The Committee’s report can be accessed at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/Committee/411/CIIT/Reports/RP6003962/411_CIIT_Rpt06_PDF/411_CIIT_Rpt06-e.pdf