On January 30, 2017, the Standing Committee on International Trade in Canada approved Bill C-30 "An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States and to provide for certain other measures", which is Canada' implementing legislation for the Canada-EU CETA. The next step in the process is third reading in the House of Commons. From there, Bill C-30 moves to the Senate.
Bill C-30 was introduced in the House of Commons on October 31, 2016. Bill C-30 received first reading on October 31, 2016 and second reading on December 13, 2016. Standing Committee on International Trade meetings took place on November 15, 2016, November 17, 2016, November 22, 2016, November 24, 2016, November 29, 2016, December 1, 2016, and December 14, 2016. On December 14, 2016, the Standing Committee on International Trade considered Bill C-30 and agreed upon a few minor amendments. On January 30, 2017, Report 4 was presented in the House of Commons. The next step in the legislative process is third reading in the House of Commons. This could happen very soon.
The Canada-EU CETA passed a similar hurdle in the European Union. On January 24, 2017, the Canada-EU CETA acquired the support of the European Parliament's trade committee (INTA) and advanced one step closer towards ratification of the deal.
With uncertainty in the United States and discussion of the renegotiation of NAFTA, Canada has every incentive to proceed quickly to pass Bill C-30, ratify the Canada-EU CETA and cause the implementing legislation to come into force. There are incentives on both sides of the pond to pursue trade opportunities.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
