Standing Committee on International Trade

Comité permanent du commerce international

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 18, 2021 -

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade presented its report entitled Reform of the World Trade Organization: Some Canadian Views and Priorities.

The report’s six recommendations address such issues as the ability of World Trade Organization (WTO) members to implement trade and other policies that meet the needs of their residents, including in relation to culture, the agricultural sector, intellectual property and the environment.

“The WTO is considered to be a fundamental element of the multilateral trading system, but it is currently facing challenges in a number of areas. These include the negotiation of new or updated multilateral agreements, the monitoring of its members’ trade policies and the resolution of trade disputes among its members. As well, of note during the pandemic, certain WTO members implemented protectionist measures, such as export restrictions,” said the Honourable Judy A. Sgro, P.C., M.P., Chair of the committee. “Canada – a founding member of the WTO and a leading member of the Ottawa Group that is focused on WTO reform – is among those advocating modernization of global trade rules.”

Ms. Sgro concluded: “Committee members are confident that the information contained in the report will assist the Government of Canada and other Ottawa Group members in improving and strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system.”

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