Standing Committee on International Trade

Comité permanent du commerce international

For immediate release

Ottawa, March 12, 2012 -

According to the report by the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade, which was tabled today in the House of Commons, the Government of Canada should conclude a comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) with the European Union in 2012 that is of net benefit to Canada.

The report contains four recommendations that are designed to strengthen ties and encourage trade between Canada and the European Union, as well as pursue more value-added development of Canadian exports.

“The majority of witnesses that committee members heard during their study supported a CETA and felt that its effects would be positive for Canada. In light of their presentations, I believe that implementation of the Committee’s recommendations will lead to greater economic integration between Canada and the European Union,” said Mr. Rob Merrifield, Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Merrifield continued: “The Committee’s primary objective during this study was to ensure that an agreement between Canada and the European Union, once signed and implemented, would be in the best interests of Canadians. In that regard, on behalf of the Committee, I wish to thank the groups and individuals who shared their thoughts about the ongoing CETA negotiations.”

The Committee held hearings in Ottawa in October and November 2011 in order to obtain input from Canadian stakeholders with regard to the principal issues in the Canada-EU CETA negotiations. Half of the committee members travelled to Brussels and Paris in December 2011 to meet with European parliamentarians, representatives of national governments and stakeholders that are involved or have an interest in the negotiations.

The Committee’s report can be accessed at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/CommitteeBusiness/ReportsResponses.aspx?Cmte=CIIT&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1