Standing Committee on International Trade

Comité permanent du commerce international

For immediate release

Ottawa, March 10, 2016 -

On February 16th, 2016, the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade decided to conduct a study on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The Committee’s primary objective is to assess the extent to which the agreement, if implemented, would be in the best interests of Canadians. The study will result in a report to be presented in the House of Commons.

As part of its study, the Committee is inviting Canadian individuals and organizations to provide written submissions that express their views on the TPP agreement. The Committee is also inviting Canadians to request to appear as a witness before the Committee, either as an individual or as a representative of an organization.

“I am very pleased to be announcing consultations on the TPP agreement,” said the Honourable Mark Eyking, P.C., M.P. for Sydney — Victoria and Chair of the House International Trade Committee. “I very much look forward to Canadians’ thoughts about the agreement, and I am convinced that we will receive a wide range of thoughtful opinions. I know that I speak on behalf of Committee members in saying that we are looking forward to the submissions from Canadians and the testimony of those who appear as witnesses.”

In addition to hearings that will take place in Ottawa, and following approval by the House of Commons, the Committee expects to hold hearings across Canada over the coming months. Once cross-country hearings are confirmed, information will be provided about dates and locations.

Canadians who wish to provide a written submission must do so before 23:59 EDT on April 30th, 2016. Written submissions are to be no more than 1,500 words. More information on the process for providing a written submission can be found in the Guide for Submitting Briefs to House of Commons Committees. Written submissions should be emailed to: ciit-tpp-ptp@parl.gc.ca.

Canadians who wish to appear as a witness can make their request at any time during the study. They should provide their name and contact information to the Clerk of the Committee at: ciit-tpp-ptp@parl.gc.ca.