In light of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union and by extension the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Government of Canada has been working hard to ensure continuity for Canada-United Kingdom trade – especially now as we build a strong economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, along with Elizabeth Truss, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for International Trade, announced the successful conclusion of talks for the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement – an interim deal that will be in place as Canada and the United Kingdom work towards negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement.
As CETA will no longer apply to the United Kingdom beginning January 1, 2021, this new agreement will provide continued access to the benefits of CETA on a bilateral basis, including the elimination of tariffs on 98% of Canadian products exported to the United Kingdom. This will provide a competitive edge to Canadian exporters and businesses who will maintain preferential access to the United Kingdom market, even as the country exits the EU.
This agreement will provide stability and predictability for businesses, exporters, and workers in both Canada and the United Kingdom. It will also maintain Canada’s high standards for businesses, workers, and the environment while ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the country’s supply-managed products system.
Canada and the United Kingdom have long shared a profound and positive relationship, with a long history of working closely together. The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with the United Kingdom to further enhance the bilateral trade relationship, including through a mutual commitment to negotiate a comprehensive free trade agreement that can be best tailored to the bilateral relationship and interests. The government looks forward to consulting with Canadians and the provinces and territories, before going back to the negotiating table with the United Kingdom and will always prioritize the needs of Canadian workers and businesses.
Canada is committed to continuing strong and stable trading relationships with both the United Kingdom and the EU to support our shared economic prosperity.
QUOTES
“As we work towards a strong and sustainable global economic recovery, Canada will remain focused on creating and supporting well-paying middle-class jobs for Canadians. This trade continuity agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom assures we maintain our strong and mutually beneficial trade relationship. I am looking forward to working with Secretary of State Truss to ensure a smooth transition in Canada-United Kingdom trade relations – ensuring Canadian workers, exporters, and businesses of all sizes continue to benefit.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
WHERE TO START
To get the help you need:
- To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen our economy, download the COVID Alert App.
- Visit our government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website for information about supporting your employees and your business.
- Contact your local financial institution. Since we know most small businesses have a relationship with their local financial institution already, we’ve worked with the financial sector to increase their lending capacity to support you in this challenging time. They are an excellent first resource.
- Consult the Canadian Business Resilience Network, a partnership between our government and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to help your business prepare, persevere and prosper through this crisis.
- Check out the new PPE Supply Hub – Canadian businesses in need of personal protective equipment, and businesses looking to sell these supplies can go to this hub to connect.
- Make the POST Promise to show employees and customers that you take COVID-19 prevention seriously by practicing key health and safety steps and maintain a safe workplace.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – for a free online course to provide businesses with all the information they need to reopen safely.
THE TEAM
For assistance at any time, please reach out to the team member below who represents your region. Based on the current volume of email, if you reply to this email directly without copying the appropriate regional team member, my response may be significantly delayed.
- Ivana Spasovska, Senior Special Assistant, Regional Affairs and Stakeholder Relations – ivana.spasovska@international.gc.ca
- Zach Nixon, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Ontario, Atlantic) – Zachary.nixon@international.gc.ca
- Youmy Han, Press Secretary and Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (West and North) – youmy.han@international.gc.ca
- Arevig Afarian, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Quebec) – arevig.afarian@international.gc.ca