International Trade

This Canadian parliamentary committee meeting focused on Canada's clean energy, clean technology, and critical mineral exports. The meeting began with the election of two vice-chairs: Stephanie Kusie for the official opposition and Mario Simard for other opposition parties. Following the elections, the committee moved to discuss the study on Canada's clean energy, clean technology, and critical mineral exports, approving a budget of $10,500 for the study. Key speakers included Heather Exner-Pirot from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Pierre Gratton from the Mining Association of Canada. Ms. Exner-Pirot highlighted Canada's opportunity in the global shift towards energy security and critical minerals, emphasizing the need for Canada to improve its ability to convert resource advantages into exportable projects. She also spoke positively about a proposed law, Bill C-39, which aims to improve regulatory processes. Mr. Gratton discussed the foundational role of mining in Canada's economy but noted a decline in production and processing capacity over the past two decades. He stressed the importance of a competitive fiscal framework and timely permitting to boost the sector. Later in the meeting, Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Todd Smith from Candu Energy Incorporated, and Margareta Dovgal from the Resource Works Society provided further insights. Mr. Nankivell focused on Canada's export potential in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in nuclear technology, clean electricity expertise, and critical minerals, stressing the need for processing capabilities and strong partnerships. Mr. Smith highlighted CANDU reactors as a unique Canadian export opportunity, emphasizing the economic benefits and global demand for nuclear energy. Ms. Dovgal discussed the importance of investment decisions, keeping commercial risk with private investors, and examining government policies that might hinder investment. Committee members raised questions about the impact of tariffs on trade, the effectiveness of proposed laws like Bill C-39, the challenges of infrastructure development for mining projects, and the competitiveness of Canadian nuclear energy on the international stage. A motion was also introduced by Jacob Mantle to compel the Canada Border Services Agency to provide a copy of the SIMA handbook, which guides trade remedy regimes. The committee decided to defer the discussion and vote on this motion to the next meeting, allowing time for members to seek further information and potential resolution.

The committee met to discuss Canada's efforts to stop goods made with forced labour from entering the country, focusing on a new proposed law to make these efforts stronger. The main topic was Canada's existing ban on importing goods made with forced labour and a new proposed law aimed at improving how this ban is enforced. Ms. Sara Wilshaw from the Department of Foreign Affairs explained that Canada is committed to stopping forced labour and introduced the new proposed law, which would make it easier to find and stop goods made with forced labour. However, Mr. Graeme Hamilton from the Canada Border Services Agency faced tough questions from committee members about why specific products blocked by the U.S. due to forced labour concerns are still available in Canada. He admitted his agency doesn't publicly share statistics on its enforcement and that proving forced labour for each shipment is very difficult under the current rules. Mr. Robert Brookfield, also from Foreign Affairs, explained that the new proposed law would create a public list of goods or regions suspected of using forced labour. This would put the responsibility on importing companies to prove their goods are free of forced labour. Committee members from all parties expressed concerns about Canada's current enforcement, the lack of transparency, and how Canada compares to the United States. They pressed officials for more details on how the new proposed law would truly improve the situation and asked for written information on specific cases and comparisons with other countries' systems. The new proposed law will now go through the regular process in Parliament. The Minister of Foreign Affairs plans to hold public consultations over the summer to decide how the new list of high-risk goods will be created. Government officials promised to provide the committee with written answers to many questions, including details on past investigations, a comparison of Canada's approach with the U.S. system, and the criteria used to identify products made with forced labour. The committee also asked for an estimate of the staff needed to enforce the new proposed law and a specific government handbook.

This meeting of the International Trade committee focused on how two government-owned banks, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC), help Canadian businesses. The committee members wanted to understand what these organizations do, especially in a world where trade is changing and there's a lot of uncertainty, like with tariffs (extra taxes on imported goods). Key speakers from BDC were Véronique Dorval (Chief Operating Officer) and Pierre Cléroux (Chief Economist). They explained that BDC helps Canadian businesses start, grow, and become stronger, mainly within Canada. They offer loans, advice, and venture capital. BDC has also created special programs to help businesses affected by tariffs, like those in the steel, aluminum, and forestry sectors. They also talked about a new program to help companies invest in new technologies like artificial intelligence to become more productive. BDC has also recently started supporting the defence sector, which they didn't do systematically before. From EDC, Todd Winterhalt (Senior Vice-President) and Joanne De Franco (Vice-President) explained that their main job is to help Canadian companies with international trade. They provide insurance, loans, and advice to help businesses manage risks, find new customers, and expand overseas. EDC has been actively helping Canadian companies find new markets outside of the United States, especially in Asia and Europe, by opening new offices and providing market information. They also highlighted their support for key sectors like critical minerals and defence and security. Committee members asked about specific programs, how quickly the banks can adapt to new challenges, and how they work together. They also discussed the impact of tariffs and the importance of trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Both BDC and EDC committed to providing more detailed information in writing about the companies they've helped, the amounts of support provided, and how their strategies have changed over time to meet the evolving needs of Canadian businesses.

This meeting of the International Trade committee focused on Canada's trade agreements, particularly the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and then shifted to Canada's trade with Japan. Committee members heard from representatives of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, the National Cattle Feeders' Association, the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, and the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada. During the first part of the meeting, the committee discussed two motions. One motion, proposed by Mr. Chambers, was amended to ensure the committee's findings on the CUSMA review would be reported to the House and that the government would provide a comprehensive response. This amended motion was agreed upon. Ms. Acan's motion was initially delayed for translation but was later agreed to by the committee members. Key speakers on CUSMA, Brian Kingston from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and Cathy Jo Noble from the National Cattle Feeders' Association, both stressed the critical importance of renewing CUSMA for a long term (like 16 years) to provide stability for their industries. Mr. Kingston highlighted that the U.S. has a trade surplus with Canada in the auto sector, making Canada part of the solution for the U.S., not the problem. He also raised concerns about the agreement allowing 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada, calling it a threat to national security and the North American auto industry. Ms. Noble emphasized that the beef industry relies heavily on the integrated North American market and wants CUSMA renewed in its current state, also expressing concern about a potential trade deal with Mercosur due to differing standards. In the second part of the meeting, the focus shifted to trade with Japan. Trevor Kennedy from the Business Council of Canada, Rick White from the Canadian Canola Growers Association, and Brendan Sweeney from the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada spoke about the strong economic relationship between Canada and Japan. They highlighted opportunities in energy (like liquefied petroleum gas), critical minerals, and defence, as well as the stable market for Canadian canola. Mr. Sweeney noted that Japanese auto manufacturers in Canada, like Honda and Toyota, also rely heavily on CUSMA for their exports to the U.S. All speakers agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening trade ties with Japan, with Mr. White specifically mentioning the value of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and ongoing dialogue.

The committee meeting covered two main topics: Canada's trade with Japan, focusing on pork exports, and the upcoming review of the CUSMA trade agreement. Committee members also approved a budget for a possible trip to Washington. During the first part of the meeting, Antoine Morin from Olymel, a major Canadian pork producer, spoke about the importance of Japan as a key market for Canadian pork. He explained that Canadian pork is highly valued in Japan for its quality. Mr. Morin highlighted a major risk: African swine fever. He urged Canada to reach a regional zoning agreement with Japan, meaning that if an outbreak occurs, only the affected region would face trade restrictions, not the entire country. He also stressed the importance of reliable shipping and port operations, noting that disruptions at the Port of Vancouver have caused significant financial losses for his company. The second part of the meeting focused on the CUSMA trade agreement. Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association emphasized that the U.S. market is crucial for Canadian beef, with 75% of exports going there. He called for the renewal and strengthening of CUSMA, expressing concern about other trade deals that might jeopardize this relationship. Robert Carter from the Coffee Association of Canada explained that Canadian roasted coffee is not fully covered by CUSMA, leading to unpredictable tariffs and harming Canadian businesses. He asked for changes to the agreement to recognize the value added when coffee beans are roasted in Canada. Sean Fahey from VidCruiter Inc., a Canadian tech company, highlighted the importance of CUSMA's digital trade chapter for Canadian businesses to access the U.S. market. He suggested improving cooperation between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico on rules for privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). Mr. Fahey also recommended that the Canadian government make it easier for Canadian tech companies to sell their products to the government, and that Canada's AI standards be recognized by other countries. The committee agreed to adopt a travel budget of just over $94,000 for a potential trip to Washington.

This meeting of the International Trade committee focused on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), also known as NAFTA. Committee members heard from representatives of various industries about how the trade agreement and recent tariffs are affecting their businesses. The first group of speakers included Joseph Maloney from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Dany Larochelle from Nordic Paper Quebec Inc., and Nancy Malone from the North American Equipment Dealers Association. Mr. Maloney asked for changes to CUSMA to make it easier for unions to bring in skilled workers for short-term jobs without extra fees, especially from the U.S. and Ireland. Mr. Larochelle, whose company makes specialized food-grade paper, highlighted the importance of CUSMA's stability for his business, noting that uncertainty in 2025 halted a major investment project. He also raised concerns about cheap paper from China flooding the European market and potentially Canada. Ms. Malone emphasized that CUSMA has been a great success for agricultural equipment dealers, ensuring tariff-free movement of machinery and parts across the border, which is vital for Canada's food security. The second group of speakers included Matthew Holmes and Catherine Fortin LeFaivre from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Lucas Malinowski from Global Automakers of Canada, and Troy Zanatta and Tom Witowich from Restwell Sleep Products. The Chamber of Commerce representatives stressed the need to keep CUSMA's current rules and remove tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts. They also suggested exploring new trade partners like Mexico. Mr. Malinowski explained that American tariffs have cost automakers across North America billions, increasing prices for Canadian drivers and reducing choices. He also raised concerns about Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market without clear rules. Mr. Zanatta and Mr. Witowich from the mattress industry spoke about the problem of mattresses being imported from countries like China, Vietnam, and Turkey at prices lower than what it costs to make them in Canada, which hurts local businesses. Overall, the speakers agreed that CUSMA has been beneficial and should be renewed, with a focus on removing existing tariffs and ensuring fair competition. Many expressed concern about the negative impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty on Canadian jobs and investment. The committee will continue to study these issues as the CUSMA review approaches, with a focus on maintaining stability and addressing specific industry challenges.

The committee met to discuss Canada's trade relationships, focusing on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and heard from various businesses about their challenges and opportunities. Kyle Larkin from the Canadian Meat Council emphasized how important CUSMA is for meat exports, asking for the agreement to be renewed for 16 years. He also pointed out the need to make Canadian meat regulations similar to those in the U.S. to help businesses and lower food prices. Jamie Neil from the Canadian Coalition of Aluminum Extruders spoke about job losses because of U.S. tariffs and a flood of cheap imports, asking for fair access to the U.S. market and protection for Canadian aluminum makers. Guy Trottier from White Birch Paper explained how global competition and U.S. tariffs on wood products are hurting the paper industry, highlighting the need for government help to modernize their operations. Robert Kwon from the Canadian Commercial Corporation explained how his organization helps Canadian businesses, especially smaller ones, sell their products and services to foreign governments, which boosts exports and creates jobs. Laurel Broten from Invest in Canada talked about attracting foreign money to Canada to create jobs and grow the economy. She highlighted Canada's strengths, like its stable economy and trade agreements, and stressed the need to make it easier for companies to invest here. During the meeting, committee members continued their study on the CUSMA review and approved a small amount of funding for their ongoing work. The committee also asked the witnesses to provide more detailed information to help them better understand the issues discussed.

This committee meeting covered two main topics: strengthening trade between Canada and Taiwan, and reviewing the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). In the first part of the meeting, committee members heard from Harry Ho-jen Tseng, the representative from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada. Mr. Tseng explained that trade between Canada and Taiwan is currently very low, making up only about 0.5% of each country's total trade. He highlighted that while Canada is strong in raw materials and AI research, Taiwan excels in manufacturing high-tech products like computer chips. He suggested that a new Trade Co-operation Framework Arrangement (TCFA) and Taiwan joining the CPTPP trade agreement would help boost trade. Committee members also asked about why a trade agreement with Taiwan, which was ready a year ago, has not been signed, and if Canada was delaying it due to fear of China. Mr. Tseng couldn't answer why it was delayed but emphasized the need for political will. The committee chair announced that a group of Canadian politicians would visit Taiwan in October. The second part of the meeting focused on the upcoming review of the CUSMA trade agreement. Kevin Lee from the Canadian Home Builders' Association spoke about how important CUSMA is for keeping housing costs down in Canada. He warned that tariffs on building materials, like lumber, significantly increase the price of homes. He urged the government to avoid new tariffs and ensure CUSMA provides stability for the housing industry. Brendan Sweeney from the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada, representing Honda and Toyota, stressed that CUSMA is vital for the Canadian auto industry. He said that without tariff-free access to the U.S. market, the long-term future of car manufacturing in Canada is at risk, as 85% of Canadian-made cars are exported to the U.S. He also mentioned that U.S. tariffs on Canadian autos are making it harder for Canadian plants to compete. Both industry representatives emphasized the need for stability and predictability in trade relations with the U.S. They advised the Canadian government to focus on securing a strong CUSMA agreement that protects integrated supply chains and avoids tariffs. The committee decided not to create an interim report on CUSMA but will continue to hear from more witnesses on the topic.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade opportunities in North and West Africa and barriers to trade within Canada. The first panel focused on Africa, with witnesses emphasizing the potential for growth in these emerging markets, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, technology, and agri-food. Speakers like Hamid Fadili and Souad Elmallem highlighted the need for Canada to develop a clear strategy for engaging with African markets, suggesting Morocco as a key entry point due to its strategic location and infrastructure. Ruth Vachon emphasized the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs in both Canada and Africa to foster sustainable economic growth. The witnesses also discussed the challenges and risks associated with doing business in Africa, including political instability and competition from other global powers like China. They stressed the need for Canada to prioritize countries with stable economies and strong governance, and to leverage the expertise of the African diaspora in Canada. The committee explored ways to improve the effectiveness of Canada's trade commissioner service in Africa, with suggestions for providing more targeted support to small businesses and facilitating networking opportunities. The second panel shifted focus to internal trade barriers within Canada, with witnesses discussing the challenges of harmonizing regulations and standards across provinces. Carl Viel emphasized the need for a shift in business culture to promote east-west trade, while René Roy raised concerns about the potential impact of interprovincial trade on food safety standards in the pork sector. The committee discussed ways to support provincial facilities in upgrading to federal standards and to ensure a level playing field for all operators. During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the role of the Parliamentary Budget Officer in tracking progress on interprovincial trade and the potential for federal investments to strengthen logistics infrastructure for agri-food hubs. The committee also discussed the impact of labor shortages on the agri-food processing sector and the need for improved communication between government and industry to address these challenges. At the end of the meeting, the committee passed a motion to study Export Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and Invest in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with Japan. Witnesses from the Canadian Cattle Association and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority spoke about the opportunities and challenges in expanding trade with Japan. The committee also heard from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Forest Products Association of Canada on strategies to strengthen economic ties with Japan, focusing on economic security, supply chain resilience, and advanced industries. Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association highlighted Japan as Canada's second-largest beef export market, emphasizing the importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in reducing tariffs and promoting rules-based trade. He cautioned against trade diversification efforts that could undermine Canadian beef producers, such as negotiations with Mercosur countries. Alexa Young from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority discussed the port's role in facilitating trade with the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Japan, and stressed the need for investments in trade-enabling infrastructure and regulatory improvements. Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada argued that Canada-Japan trade relations are evolving into a strategic economic partnership focused on economic security and advanced industries. He emphasized the need for Canada to move beyond being a supplier of raw materials and become a trusted industrial and innovation partner. Matthew Holmes from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlighted the importance of the Canada-Japan Chambers Council and the new comprehensive strategic partnership in strengthening business ties. Derek Nighbor from the Forest Products Association of Canada discussed the forest sector's trade with Japan, emphasizing the need to defend and grow lumber share and promote mass timber and advanced wood building systems. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of Canada-Japan trade, including market access, non-tariff barriers, infrastructure needs, and the impact of trade agreements. They also discussed the potential for expanding trade in specific sectors, such as beef, seafood, and forest products. The committee explored strategies to support Canadian businesses in navigating the Japanese market and attracting Japanese investment to Canada. The committee identified the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, support for Canadian businesses, and strategic partnerships to enhance trade relations with Japan. The committee will meet again to further discuss trade relations between Canada and Japan.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. The committee heard from witnesses representing manufacturers, unions, and economic research organizations. The discussion focused on reducing interprovincial trade barriers and improving the flow of goods, services, and labor across provincial borders. Ryan Greer from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters argued for mutual recognition of standards across provinces, rather than trying to harmonize them, which he sees as too slow and difficult. He suggested a national scorecard to track each province's progress and urged the federal government to use financial incentives to encourage provinces to align their regulations. Caroline Senneville, representing the Confédération des syndicats nationaux, expressed concerns about lowering standards, especially in health and safety, and emphasized the importance of protecting the French language. She also noted that distance is a major factor for businesses, not just regulations. Ryan Manucha from the C.D. Howe Institute highlighted the economic costs of internal trade barriers and suggested several federal actions. These included updating the Statutory Instruments Act to rely on consensus-based standards, strengthening the Competition Bureau's ability to study internal trade, and conditioning labor market funding on provinces meeting credential recognition standards. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the current state of internal trade, the role of the federal government, and potential challenges and benefits of reducing trade barriers. Committee members generally agreed on the need to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, but there were different views on how to achieve this while protecting regional interests and standards. The committee plans to continue studying free trade within Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. Witnesses discussed barriers to trade between provinces and potential solutions. The committee heard from experts in law, business, and economics, who offered different perspectives on the issue. Mark Mancini, a law professor, spoke about constitutional barriers to free trade and suggested a joint federal-provincial agency to address them. He argued that the Constitution divides economic power between the federal and provincial governments, leading to different regulations that create trade barriers. He proposed an agency that would mandate mutual recognition of standards, develop national standards, and recommend barrier removal. Pascal Chan from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need to overcome cultural and mindset obstacles to free trade. He noted that internal trade barriers limit economic growth and that provinces need to remove their own barriers. He suggested the federal government could use its financial transfers to the provinces as a way to encourage them to eliminate trade barriers. Michael McCain, executive chair of Maple Leaf Foods, raised concerns about food safety. He argued against nationalizing what he called "subpar" provincial food safety regulations. He advocated for a single national standard enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure food safety and facilitate trade.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with North and West Africa. The committee heard from several witnesses including Thierry Warin, a professor at HEC Montréal, Macaulay Kalu from the African Union Sixth Region Global, and representatives from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Marie-Gloriose Ingabire and Erin Tansey. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges Canada faces in expanding trade with these regions, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Committee members were interested in how Canada can diversify its trade relationships beyond the United States and leverage the African diaspora to strengthen ties with African nations. Thierry Warin emphasized the need for Canada to identify specific products and value chains where it has a competitive advantage in African markets. He noted that while trade between Canada and Africa is currently modest, there is potential for growth, particularly in agri-food and energy sectors. Macaulay Kalu urged Canada to act with more urgency and strategic intent in engaging with Africa, suggesting a hub-and-spoke approach focusing on key markets like Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco. He stressed the importance of leveraging the African diaspora as a valuable asset for building trust and facilitating trade. The IDRC representatives highlighted the importance of locally led research and system-level collaboration to unlock trade opportunities. They pointed out that investments in evidence, institutions, and regulatory cooperation are essential for creating mutually beneficial trade outcomes. Committee members asked about specific opportunities for trade development, the role of Export Development Canada (EDC) in supporting Canadian businesses, and the potential for leveraging the francophonie to enhance trade relations. Witnesses emphasized the need for tailored financial products and support mechanisms to facilitate Canadian businesses' entry into African markets. During the second panel, Jackson Igbinosun from the AfriCanada Economic Summit Group, Joanne Tognarelli and Todd Winterhalt from Export Development Canada, and Fatima Meite from the Canada Mali Chamber of Commerce - Association, discussed strategies for enhancing Canada-Africa trade. Igbinosun recommended establishing a coordinated market access platform and strengthening risk-sharing mechanisms. Winterhalt noted EDC's support for Canadian companies in Africa and the growing interest in diversifying trade beyond the U.S. Meite emphasized the need for a Canada-Africa trade strategy focused on West and North Africa, along with a dedicated SME fund. The committee identified the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to trade with Africa, leveraging the expertise of the diaspora and focusing on key sectors and markets. They also discussed the importance of addressing challenges such as political instability, regulatory complexities, and competition from other global players. The committee agreed to review a list of companies and documents related to a large tariff loan facility in an in-camera meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss free trade within Canada. Witnesses from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ), and QSL International Ltd. shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in interprovincial trade. The committee also heard from the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc, along with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the Privy Council Office. Corinne Pohlmann from CFIB highlighted that small businesses still face significant barriers to internal trade, including inconsistent application of mutual recognition agreements, exclusion of key sectors like services and alcohol, and regulatory duplication affecting labor mobility. She urged governments to fully implement pan-Canadian mutual recognition, expand it to cover more sectors, and provide clear implementation plans for businesses. Julie White from MEQ emphasized the importance of the manufacturing sector in Quebec and the need to address transportation and supply chain issues to facilitate interprovincial trade. She suggested mutual recognition of regulations as a way to reduce transportation times and costs. Robert Bellisle from QSL International Ltd. discussed the essential role of marine transportation in the Canadian economy and the need to streamline consultation and permitting processes for port infrastructure projects. Minister LeBlanc discussed the government's efforts to remove federal barriers to internal trade and work with provinces and territories to achieve true free trade within Canada. He highlighted the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods and the memorandum of understanding on interprovincial trucking. He also noted the importance of harmonizing building codes and advancing digital credential recognition. Committee members questioned the witnesses and the Minister on the progress made in reducing internal trade barriers, the challenges faced by businesses, and the role of the federal government in promoting interprovincial trade. The committee discussed the importance of respecting provincial jurisdiction while working towards a common goal of free trade within Canada. There was also discussion about the need for federal leadership and the potential use of constitutional authority to address interprovincial trade barriers. The committee agreed to continue its study of free trade within Canada and to invite further witnesses to provide additional perspectives on the issue. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee agreed to continue its study of free trade within Canada. The committee requested additional information from the Minister regarding the economic impact of removing federal barriers to internal trade.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with North and West Africa. The committee heard from Senator Amina Gerba and Sylvain Tétreault, an international business facilitator, about opportunities and challenges in the African market. Senator Gerba emphasized the need for Canada to prioritize Africa in its trade diversification strategy, strengthen financial tools, organize high-level trade missions, and address visa processing issues. Mr. Tétreault highlighted the importance of selling expertise rather than just products, addressing visa obstacles for African businesspeople, and improving coordination between government departments. Committee members asked questions about specific opportunities in sectors like agri-food, mining, and education. They also discussed the administrative burdens faced by businesses, the role of the francophonie, and the need for Canada to differentiate itself from other global powers like China in its approach to trade with Africa. Witnesses emphasized the importance of understanding local markets, building trust, and providing support to Canadian companies seeking to do business in Africa. Later in the meeting, the committee heard from Carl Viel of Québec International, David Collins, a professor of international economic law, and Parfait Aïhounhin from the Chambre de commerce Québec-Afrique. They discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area, the importance of traceability in supply chains, and the need for Canada to strengthen its presence on the African continent. The committee agreed to continue pursuing the appearance of the Minister of International Trade to discuss trade with Taiwan.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with Mercosur countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Aaron Fowler from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, spoke about the importance of strengthening trade ties with these countries, especially to diversify Canada's trade beyond the U.S. He mentioned that negotiations for a free trade agreement had restarted after being paused due to COVID-19, with the goal of finalizing an agreement soon. Evan Lewis from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, assured the committee that any trade agreements would not compromise Canada's food safety or animal health standards. He emphasized that imported goods must meet Canada's strict requirements. During the meeting, committee members raised concerns about the safety of imported agricultural products, particularly meat, from Mercosur countries. They questioned whether these countries' standards were high enough to prevent food safety issues. Mr. Lewis responded that Canada assesses each country's ability to meet Canadian standards before allowing imports. Members also discussed the potential impact of increased trade with Mercosur on Canadian farmers, especially those in supply-managed sectors like dairy and poultry. Axel Ndayisaba from the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acknowledged these concerns and said the government was working to balance the interests of all sectors. The committee also briefly discussed Canada's trade with Ukraine, noting that a modernized free trade agreement was in effect but that the ongoing conflict was significantly impacting trade. Finally, the committee agreed to host the Swiss Speaker and cover hospitality expenses. They requested a written summary of public consultations regarding the proposed trade agreement with Mercosur. The committee then shifted focus to Canada's trade with North and West Africa, hearing from Mohamad Sawwaf of the Canada-Arab Business Council and Anthony Salloum of the ONE Campaign. Both emphasized the importance of Africa for Canada's trade diversification strategy. Mr. Sawwaf highlighted Canada's advantages, including its diaspora, the Francophonie, and alignment in sectors like clean technology. He recommended developing a specific trade strategy for North and West Africa, improving SME access to export financing, and establishing a diaspora trade diplomacy program. Mr. Salloum echoed the need for a clear implementation plan with measurable goals, a prime minister-led trade mission to Africa, and dedicated financing to support Canada-Africa investment. Committee members discussed the slow progress of Canada's Africa strategy and the need for greater political will and reduced bureaucracy. They also addressed concerns about transparency and corruption in African countries, suggesting a phased approach starting with countries that have better governance. The committee explored opportunities for Canadian businesses in sectors like aerospace, clean energy, and AI, and the potential for increasing trade in agricultural products like wheat, coffee, and chocolate. The committee also approved a motion to request information from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding system outages.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss trade with Mercosur countries and North and West Africa. Witnesses from the Canadian Meat Council, Chicken Farmers of Canada, and Fertilizer Canada shared their perspectives on trade agreements. The Canadian Meat Council expressed caution about prioritizing Mercosur, emphasizing the need for safeguards and strong trade rules. Chicken Farmers of Canada voiced concerns about the potential impact on domestic food production and the supply management system, particularly regarding imports from Brazil. Fertilizer Canada highlighted the success of potash exports to Brazil but stressed the importance of reliable supply chains and addressing trade barriers. Claire Citeau from the Canadian Meat Council said that Mercosur is not a priority for Canadian meat producers. Tim Klompmaker from Chicken Farmers of Canada said that a trade agreement with Mercosur could hurt Canadian chicken farmers. Michael Bourque from Fertilizer Canada said that Canada should try to remove a vessel-based import tax in Brazil to help Canadian potash exports. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the potential risks and benefits of trade agreements, focusing on competition, food security, and supply chain issues. The committee also discussed a motion related to CBSA outages and another related to the large enterprise tariff loan facility, but both were deferred for further consideration at a later meeting.