International Trade
Overview
As international trade falls generally within the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada, British Columbia must rely on the federal government to negotiate international agreements to the benefit of the province. The Province works with the Government of Canada to ensure the interests of this province are represented in international negotiations, agreements, and international disputes.
Canada is signatory to a number of international trade agreements, the most important of these being the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canada is also signatory to a number of bilateral trade agreements, such as the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. In October of 2008, at a Canada-EU Summit in Quebec City, it was announced that Canada and the European Union (EU) will prepare formal mandates with a view to launching negotiations on an economic partnership.
A comprehensive list of Canada's regional and bilateral initiatives is available at Canada DFAIT’s: Negotiations and Agreements.
International agreements all share common elements, in that they have general overarching rules governing trade relations between signatories, sector specific rules governing trade in certain goods and services, and provisions to solve disputes.
Trade and Investment Agreements
Trade and Investment Negotiations
Government Sites
Trade Resources
