Standing Committee on International Trade

Comité permanent du commerce international

For immediate release

Ottawa, May 13, 2021 -

HOUSE INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE RELEASES REPORT ON THE IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade presented, in the House of Commons, its report entitled Canada and International Trade: An Interim Report Concerning the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

The report’s four recommendations call for measures to: increase the awareness of, and the coordination among, various federal departments and agencies that support Canadian businesses; improve export prospects for businesses in specific sectors; enhance opportunities for certain groups of exporters that are disproportionately affected by the pandemic; and ensure a strong and resilient North American market and supply chains.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis that is affecting all Canadian businesses, including those that export. The pandemic has closed borders, affected supply chains and led to protectionist measures,” said the Honourable Judy A. Sgro, P.C., M.P., Chair of the committee. “As the Government of Canada contemplates economic recovery from the pandemic, it is important that the needs of exporters are considered as measures are developed.”

Ms. Sgro concluded: “Committee members are confident that the interim report will help the Government of Canada in its efforts to assist Canadian exporters in mitigating the adverse impacts of the pandemic, and to help them become stronger and more resilient as they face future global challenges and uncertainties.”

The committee’s report can be accessed on its website.