Minister Day Announces Crucial Step Forward on Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic Agreement

(Minister of International Trade)

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada and the European Union have agreed on the areas to be negotiated in a possible comprehensive economic agreement, which are outlined in a joint report. These areas include trade in goods and services, as well as areas such as investment, technical barriers to trade and regulatory cooperation.

“I am pleased with the tremendous progress we have made with the EU,” said Minister Day.

“This agreement puts us in a position to launch comprehensive negotiations as early as possible. The EU is our second-largest trading partner, and the Canada-EU relationship holds great potential. During times of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Canadians to seek out new trade and investment opportunities abroad.”

Minister Day also stated that the Government of Canada will continue to work closely with all provinces and territories, and is pleased to have found a way to directly involve them in the negotiations. Minister Day thanked the members of the Council of the Federation for their recent declaration of support, and said that this effort is also strongly supported by the Canadian business community.For the full text of the joint report, please visit the international trade website.