Government of Canada and the U.K. signed the Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-U.K. TCA) on December 9, 2020 to provide stability and predictability for businesses and workers in both countries. This Agreement substantively replicates the provisions of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to ensure continuity in the Canada-U.K. trade relationship following the U.K. departure from the EU (Brexit). Beyond the TCA, Canada and the U.K. have also committed to enter into subsequent negotiations within one year of its entry into force, and to work towards concluding a new comprehensive trade agreement within three years that is tailored to the bilateral relationship.
Additionally, on February 1, 2021, the United Kingdom submitted a notification of intent to begin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accession process.
Following the conclusion of the Canada-U.K. TCA and the United Kingdom’s formal notification of intent to join the CPTPP, Global Affairs Canada is seeking input from Canadians on our priorities with respect to bilateral negotiations and/or negotiations toward the United Kingdom’s potential membership in the CPTPP. The accession of new members that are able to meet the CPTPP’s high standards and commitments would allow Canada to secure preferential access to new markets or enhance access to markets already covered by bilateral FTAs, while furthering Canada’s inclusive trade agenda. Discussions towards a bilateral free trade agreement with the United Kingdom and its possible accession to the CPTPP would thus present an opportunity for Canada to further enhance its relationship with one of its largest trading partners as it continues discussions towards a bilateral free trade agreement with that same partner, the United Kingdom.
Through these consultations, we want to hear your views, your experiences, and your priorities for the bilateral free trade agreement negotiations with the United Kingdom and for the United Kingdom’s potentially joining the CPTPP.
These consultations will help define Canada’s interests and priorities throughout negotiations. As a trading nation, Canada is committed to strengthening the rules-based, international trading system and pursuing an inclusive trade agenda. A new, comprehensive bilateral agreement tailored to the Canada-United Kingdom relationship would seek to benefit all Canadians, from industry and businesses to workers. Similarly, should the United Kingdom join an agreement such as the CPTPP, Canada would seek for this to meaningfully contribute to our overall priorities for an inclusive, sustainable future that generates growth and creates jobs.
How to participate
The Government of Canada is seeking input from diverse Canadian voices from coast to coast. There are different ways you can participate in these consultations. You can provide a written submission in response to the Canada Gazette notice until April 27, 2021, using one of these options:
- send your submission or any questions by email to Consultations@international.gc.ca
- send your submissions or any questions by mail to:
Canada-U.K. Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Policy and Negotiations Division (TCA)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
The full notice may be viewed here on the FTA negotiations with the United Kingdom and its possible accession to the CPTPP.