Experts Want New Policy on Trade Disputes

(Embassy)

Trade lawyers say the government’s decision to challenge the European Union’s ban on seal products at the World Trade Organization sends a strong signal Canada is prepared to stand up to trading partners that go back on their commitments.

In fact, they are hoping the seal ban challenge and two others launched in recent months represent a major change in Canadian trade policy, with the country joining what they describe as a new trend toward actively enforcing international trade rules.

Others, however, feel the challenges are more about satisfying specific interest groups rather than the start of a badly needed “offensive strategy” when it comes to Canada and trade disputes.

Over the years, Canada has initiated trade actions against a number of states over a variety of issues. Some, like a challenge over an EU ban on genetically modified foods, went all the way to a trade dispute panel. Others, such as a joint Canadian-Brazilian challenge over U.S. farm subsidies, are still ongoing, while some have stalled. Read more here.