As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada, during negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, prioritize provisions that would eliminate tariffs applied on Canada’s exports, including moulds, farm equipment, automobiles and their parts, and products of the country’s software, technology, lighting, canola and fisheries sectors.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada, during negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, seek to include provisions that would eliminate current and future non-tariff barriers that limit Canada’s exports to, and investments in, those countries. In particular, provisions in a Canada–Mercosur free trade agreement should address administrative requirements and processes that are complex or unclear, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, currency manipulation, state-owned enterprises and subsidies. In addition, the Government of Canada should work with the governments of the Mercosur countries to enhance regulatory cooperation and alignment among Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada consider implementing new measures designed to reduce any negative impacts of a Canada–Mercosur free trade agreement on the domestic competitiveness of Canada’s firms.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada, during negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, endeavour to include cultural provisions that meet the following conditions: are based on the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions; ensure that Canada and each Mercosur country has the right to support its artists and other cultural producers; and increase bilateral cultural cooperation.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada, at an early stage of the negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, examine the advantages and disadvantages for Canada of various mechanisms designed to resolve investment-related disputes, while recognizing the right of governments to adopt and maintain measures in the public interest.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada, during negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, work toward outcomes that would create economic opportunities for Canada’s small and medium-sized firms, protect the environment, uphold labour standards, enhance labour mobility, contribute to gender equality and safeguard the rights of Indigenous peoples.