The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade studies and reports on matters referred to it by the House of Commons. The Committee can also initiate studies of subjects contained in its mandate. As a permanent committee established by the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, the Committee may be asked to draw conclusions on legislation, departmental activities and spending, and other matters under its jurisdiction. For more information on the mandate and powers of committees, please refer to the Compendium of the House of Commons Procedure.

The general subject area of the Committee includes:

• international trade policy, including trade and investment liberalization, as well as Canada’s economic relationship with other countries;

• Canadian international competitiveness, as well as the effects of global competition on Canadian business and the Canadian economy; and

• the global trade and investment environment, including the World Trade Organization, international markets and regional trade blocs.

The federal departments and agencies under the International Trade Committee’s direct scrutiny are:

• Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (international trade component);

• Export Development Canada

• Canadian Commercial Corporation