Joint Report on Trade and Gender Committee Meeting under the Canada Israel Free Trade Agreement

On June 29, 2022, Canada and Israel held the inaugural meeting of the Trade and Gender Committee under the Trade and Gender Chapter in the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) via videoconference. Canadian participants included officials from: Global Affairs Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Women and Gender Equality Canada. Israeli participants included officials from: The Foreign Trade Administration and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission at the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Report

Both Parties made opening statements underlining how pleased they were to hold the first meeting of the CIFTA Trade and Gender Committee. Israel noted that trade and gender is a fairly new topic for them, this is the only trade and gender Chapter they have thus far in any of their free trade agreements, and expressed an interest in learning more about Canada’s approach. Canada briefly underlined its interest in working with Israel with the goal of advancing its continued commitment to trade and gender, supported by its trade diversification strategy and inclusive approach to trade, and the priority it attaches to women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.

Presentations by Canada

Canada delivered a presentation on its approach to conducting Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) of free trade agreements and how it helps in mainstreaming responsive and inclusive provisions across FTAs. Canada began implementing its comprehensive approach to GBA+ of FTAs in 2018, and it is now standard practice. Canada also delivered a presentation on the latest data and research related to trade and gender led by the Office of the Chief Economist. It was noted how this research and analysis on women-owned businesses and women exporters is vital to conducting GBA+.

Presentation by Israel

Israel delivered a presentation on its Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. Established in 2008, the Commission aims to promote equality and diversity in the workplace and enhance public awareness. Israel shared many initiatives launched by the Commission, such as the Diversity Index, the Diversity Ranking in the business sector, and the Equal Employment Award. In addition, Israel shared information regarding the recent law amendment that requires larger companies to report on wage gaps. These initiatives aim to reduce the gender wage gaps and promote equality in the labour market.

Conclusion

In terms of the next steps, participants briefly discussed potential future cooperation activities, with Canada noting its experience implementing activities on gender with other trade partners. The participants agreed to exchange ideas for cooperation activities under the Trade and Gender Chapter.