Consulting Canadians on a World Trade Organization (WTO) Framework on Investment Facilitation for Development

from Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is soliciting the views of interested Canadians on a possible WTO framework on investment facilitation for development.

Join in: how to participate

The Government of Canada is seeking written views of all interested Canadians.

Send an e-mail to the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Consultation team IFconsultationFI@international.gc.ca.

Send a letter with your views and input to the address in contact information below.

Consultation details

A group of WTO Members, including Canada, is holding discussions on a WTO framework on investment facilitation for development to improve the transparency and predictability of investment measures; streamline and speed up administrative procedures and requirements; and enhance international cooperation, and stakeholder relations.

Why is Canada holding consultations on a possible WTO framework on investment facilitation for development negotiations?

For Canada’s economy to continue to grow, it is important that businesses and investors in Canada and around the world are able to rely on predictable, transparent, rules-based global trade. This stability gives businesses the confidence to take the risks they need to succeed – creating more middle-class jobs and fostering prosperity for all Canadians.

Canada is holding public consultations to hear from a broad range of partners, stakeholders, and individual Canadians to help define Canada’s priorities and inform future decisions on a potential WTO framework, particularly in areas of creating a more efficient, predictable, and investment-friendly business climate. By getting rid of unnecessary "red tape", it will be easier for businesses to grow and to create good jobs for Canadians.

The information gained from the public consultations will help inform Canada’s approach to the development of the framework. It is anticipated that formal WTO negotiations on the framework will begin in the coming months. The negotiations will not address market access, investment protection, or investor-state dispute settlement.

What will be the focus of the consultations?

Interested parties are invited to submit their views on a potential WTO framework on investment facilitation for development, including specific interests, priorities, and potential sensitivities. The following are examples of areas where the Government of Canada would appreciate receiving views from Canadians:

• Investment barriers, including any burdensome administrative procedures or lack of information that make it difficult to expand your investments or cause uncertainty in operating your business;
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (e.g., particular challenges faced by SMEs abroad, which could be addressed by the implementation of a WTO framework); and,
• Any other investment-related topics of interest or potential concern to Canadians.

For further details consult the WTO Framework on Investment Facilitation for Development.

Who should participate?

The Government of Canada is soliciting the views of interested Canadians on a possible WTO framework on investment facilitation for developing, including:

• individuals
• businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises
• industry associations
• experts and academics
• civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations
• labour unions
• provincial, territorial and municipal governments
• Indigenous peoples and organizations
• students and youth
• any other interested Canadian stakeholders

Please read the privacy notice statement carefully prior to sending a written submission.

Related information

• Additional information on Canada’s participation at the WTO
• 2017 Joint Ministerial Statement on Investment Facilitation for Development
• 2019 Joint Ministerial Statement on Investment Facilitation for Development

Contact us

WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Investment Trade Policy (TMV)
111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J1