Canada
Preface
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Report by the WTO Secretariat
Since its last review in 2007 Canada has taken steps to further improve the productivity and competitiveness of its economy including through unilateral trade liberalization. There are some exceptions to Canada’s generally open trade and investment regimes notably in agriculture and cultural sectors. The domestic market remains fragmented by inter alia barriers to internal trade and regulatory complexity despite the implementation of an Agreement on Internal Trade between the Federal and sub-federal governments. Moreover the Federal and provincial governments are still involved in economic (including commercial) activities particularly through Crown corporations marketing boards and foreign investment reviews.
Introduction
Le Mécanisme d’examen des politiques commerciales (MEPC) a été établi à titre expérimental par les Parties Contractantes du GATT en avril 1989. Il est devenu un élément permanent de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce en vertu de l’Accord de Marrakech qui a institué cette organisation en janvier 1995.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Mario Matus at the Trade Policy Review of Canada 20 and 22 June 2011
This ninth Trade Policy Review of Canada has given us a better understanding of the country’s recent economic including trade policy developments and enabled us collectively to measure the challenges Canada currently faces in maintaining its economic prosperity. Our candid discussion has proved more engaging thanks to the full and open participation of the Canadian delegation led by Mr. Robert Ready Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office and the Office for Trade in Services Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and by the insightful remarks made by the discussant H.E. John Adank of New Zealand as well as active participation by numerous Members.
Report by Canada
Trade is essential to Canada?s economy with one in six Canadian jobs linked directly to exports. Canada is proud of the role that it has played in helping to build a global order based on the rule of law and an aspiration to free and more open trade. Unfortunately the integrity of the global trading system under which so many around the world have prospered is currently facing unprecedented challenges. Growing concern that the benefits of trade have not been shared by all and that the existing rules no longer reflect an appropriate balance of rights and obligations has helped propel a rise in protectionism. This has taken the form of rising trade restrictive measures and unilateral actions that hinder and restrict international trade. Bilateral conflicts that give rise to unilaterally determined trade policies constitute a serious threat to a rules-based trade regime.
United States - Final Dumping Determination on Softwood Lumber from Canada
On 13 September 2002 Canada requested consultations under Article 4.8 of the DSU (urgency procedure) with the United States concerning the final affirmative determination of sales at less than fair value (dumping) with respect to certain softwood lumber products from Canada (Inv. No. A-122-838) announced by the US Department of Commerce (USDOC) on 21 March 2002 pursuant to Section 735 of the Tariff Act of 1930 as amended on 22 May 2002 (Final Determination). The measures at issue include the initiation of the investigation the conduct of the investigation and the Final Determination. Canada considered these measures and in particular the determinations made and methodologies adopted therein by the DOC under authority of the United States Tariff Act of 1930 to violate Articles 1 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.8 6.1 6.2 6.4 6.9 and 9.3 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement and Articles VI and X:3(a) of the GATT 1994.
European communities and certain member states - Measures affecting trade in large civil aircraft (Boeing - Airbus) - Recourse 2
On 2 December 2019 the WTO circulated the compliance panel report in the case brought by the European Union in “European Communities and Certain Member States - Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft - Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the EU” (DS316)
Canada - Measures Relating to Exports of Wheat and Treatment of Imported Grain
On 17 December 2002 the United States requested consultations with Canada as regards matters concerning the export of wheat by the Canadian Wheat Board and the treatment accorded by Canada to grain imported into Canada. According to the United States the actions of the Government of Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board (entity enjoying exclusive rights to purchase and sell Western Canadian wheat for human consumption) related to export of wheat appear to be inconsistent with paragraphs 1(a) and 1(b) of Article XVII of GATT 1994.
Estados Unidos - Medidas compensatorias sobre la madera blanda procedente del Canadá
El 24 de agosto de 2020 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial que entendió en la diferencia planteada por el Canadá a saber “Estados Unidos — Medidas compensatorias sobre la madera blanda procedente del Canadá” (DS533).
Brazil - Export Financing Programme for Aircraft
On 19 June 1996 Canada requested consultations with Brazil under Article 4 of the SCM Agreement which provides for special procedures for export subsidies. Canada claimed that export subsidies granted under the Brazilian Programa de Financiamento às Exportações (PROEX) to foreign purchasers of Brazil’s Embraer aircraft are inconsistent with Articles 3 27.4 and 27.5 of the SCM Agreement.
Estados Unidos - Medidas antidumping y compensatorias sobre determinado papel estucado o cuché procedente de Indonesia
El 06 de diciembre de 2017 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Medidas antidumping y compensatorias sobre determinado papel estucado o cuché procedente de Indonesia”.
Canadá - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos
El 17 de marzo de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Canadá - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos”.
Brazil - Export Financing Programme for Aircraft - Recourse 1
On 19 June 1996 Canada requested consultations with Brazil under Article 4 of the SCM Agreement which provides for special procedures for export subsidies. Canada claimed that export subsidies granted under the Brazilian Programa de Financiamento às Exportações (PROEX) to foreign purchasers of Brazil’s Embraer aircraft are inconsistent with Articles 3 27.4 and 27.5 of the SCM Agreement.
Union européenne - Mesures affectant les concessions tarifaires concernant certains produits à base de viande de volaille
Le 28 mars 2017 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans le cadre de la procédure engagée par la Chine au sujet de l’affaire “Union européenne — Mesures affectant les concessions tarifaires concernant certains produits à base de viande de volaille”.
Estados Unidos - Medidas compensatorias sobre determinados productos planos de acero al carbono laminado en caliente procedentes de la India - Recurso 1
El 15 de noviembre de 2019 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento encargado de examinar el asunto “Estados Unidos - Medidas compensatorias sobre determinados productos planos de acero al carbono laminado en caliente procedentes de la India (DS436) planteado por la India.
European Union - Cost Adjustment Methodologies and Certain Anti-Dumping Measures on Imports from Russia - (Second complaint)
On 24 July 2020 the WTO circulated the dispute panel report in the case brought by the Russian Federation in “European Union - Cost Adjustment Methodologies and Certain Anti-Dumping Measures on Imports from Russia - Second complaint)” (DS494).
Estados Unidos - Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO) - Recurso 1
El 20 de octubre de 2014 la OMC emitió los informes del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento en las diferencias “Estados Unidos — Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO) — Recurso del Canadá y México al párrafo 5 del artículo 21 del ESD” (DS384 y DS386).
Brasil - Programa de financiación de las exportaciones para aeronaves
El 14 de abril de 1999 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Brasil - Programa de financiación de las exportaciones para aeronaves”.
Canadá - Determinadas medidas que afectan a la industria del automóvil
El 11 de febrero de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Canadá - Determinadas medidas que afectan a la industria del automóvil”.
Inde - Mesures liées aux exportations
Le 31 octobre 2019 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire introduite par les États-Unis “Inde — Mesures liées aux exportations” (DS541).
Estados Unidos - Determinación definitiva de la existencia de dumping respecto de la madera blanda procedentedel Canadá
El 11 de agosto de 2004 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Determinación definitiva de la existencia de dumping respecto de la madera blanda procedentedel Canadá”.
Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la exportación de aeronaves civiles - Recurso 1
El 21 de julio de 2000 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la exportación de aeronaves civiles - Recurso”.
Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la exportación de aeronaves civiles - Recurso 1
El 09 de mayo de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la exportación de aeronaves civiles - Recurso”.
Canada - Certain Measures Affecting the Automotive Industry
On 3 July 1998 Japan requested consultations with Canada in respect of measures being taken by Canada in the automotive industry. Japan contended that under Canadian legislation implementing an automotive products agreement (Auto Pact) between the US and Canada only a limited number of motor vehicle manufacturers are eligible to import vehicles into Canada duty free and to distribute the motor vehicles in Canada at the wholesale and retail distribution levels. Japan further contended that this duty-free treatment is contingent on two requirements: Canadian value-added (CVA) content requirement that applies to both goods and services; and manufacturing and sales requirement. Japan alleges that these measures are inconsistent with Articles I:1 III:4 and XXIV of GATT 1994 Article 2 of the TRIMs Agreement Article 3 of the SCM Agreement and Articles II VI and XVII of GATS.
États-Unis - Enquête de la Commission du commerce international dans l’affaire concernant certains bois d’œuvre résineux en provenance du Canada - Recours 1
Le 15 novembre 2005 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Enquête de la Commission du commerce international dans l’affaire concernant certains bois d’œuvre résineux en provenance du Canada - Recours”.
Brésil - Programme de financement des exportations pour les aéronefs
L’OMC a publié le 28 août 2000 le rapport d’arbitrage concernant l’affaire “Brésil - Programme de financement des exportations pour les aéronefs”.
Union Européenne - Mesures communautaires concernant les viandes et les produits carnés (Hormones)
Le 18 août 1997 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones)”.
United States - Certain Country of Origin Labelling (Cool) Requirements
On 1 December 2008 Canada requested consultations with the United States concerning certain mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) provisions in the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 as amended by the 2008 Farm Bill and as implemented through an Interim Final Rule of 28 July 2008. These include the obligation to inform consumers at the retail level of the country of origin in respect of covered commodities including beef and pork. The eligibility for a designation of a covered commodity as exclusively having a US origin can only be derived from an animal that was exclusively born raised and slaughtered in the United States. This would exclude such a designation in respect of beef or pork derived from livestock that is exported to the United States for feed or immediate slaughter.
États-Unis - Certaines prescriptions en matière d’étiquetage indiquant le pays d’origine (EPO) - Recours 1
Le 20 octobre 2014 l’OMC a publié les rapports du Groupe spécial de la mise en conformité dans les différends “États-Unis — Certaines prescriptions en matière d’étiquetage indiquant le pays d’origine (EPO) — Recours du Canada et du Mexique à l’article 21:5 du Mémorandum d’accord sur le règlement des différends” (DS384 et DS386).
Canada - Maintien de la suspension d’obligations dans le différend CE - Hormones
L’Organe d’appel a publié le 16 octobre 2008 ses rapports concernant les rapports des groupes spéciaux dans les affaires “Etats-Unis — Maintien de la suspension d’obligations dans le différend CE — Hormones” (DS320) et “Canada — Maintien de la suspension d’obligations dans le différend CE — Hormones” (DS321) respectivement.