Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Negotiations

Consulting Canadians

The Government of Canada launched a comprehensive consultation process on December 31, 2011, involving the Canadian public, provinces and territories, businesses and non-governmental organizations, seeking advice and views on priorities, objectives and concerns with respect to the TPP to help Canada outline the parameters of this initiative (see Canada Gazette: Consultations on Potential Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Trans-Pacific Partnership Members).  This process indicated broad support for Canada’s entry into the negotiations.

As with Canada’s engagement in any free-trade negotiation, interested stakeholders have an opportunity to provide their views related to Canada’s interests in the TPP. In addition, general briefings are offered on an ad hoc basis and on occasion subject-matter experts may be consulted to help inform Canada’s negotiating positions on certain technical areas under discussion.  Furthermore, stakeholder engagement events were incorporated into each full negotiating round, providing an opportunity for both industry and non-industry representatives to register to participate officially and to engage directly with TPP negotiators. Any interested stakeholder could register for these events.

During Round 19, 150 stakeholders from TPP member countries participated in a stakeholder forum hosted by Brunei. During the event, presentations were made on a wide range of issues of interest and concern to industry, non-governmental organisations, academia and special interests groups. Chief negotiators also met informally with stakeholders to discuss in detail specific issues of interest to the public.Canadian negotiators have heard from a wide range of industry and non-industry stakeholders through these stakeholder engagement events and other mechanisms and continue to welcome views to help inform negotiating positions (see Contact Point below).

Also see information on Environmental Assessment Consultations.