2020 Canada-EU CETA Civil Society Forum Programme

December 8 and 9, 2020 (08:45-11:00 EST)

Day 1 - Tuesday, December 8

8:45 - Sign-In

9:00 - Opening Remarks

Canada and the EU will provide a brief overview of TSD Committee progress over the past year and objectives moving forward, noting that participants have a key role to play in supporting the effective implementation of the CETA Trade and Sustainable Development, Trade and Labour and Trade and Environment Chapters.

9:15 - Comments from DAG Chairs

Following the DAG to DAG meeting on Monday, December 7th, DAG Chairs are invited to share brief comments and suggestions on the implementation of the CETA TSD Chapters.

9:30 - Update on the CETA Trade and Gender Recommendation, SME Recommendation and Recommendation on Trade, Climate Action and the Paris Agreement

Canada and the EU share progress and updates on the implementation of the three recommendations - the Trade and Gender Recommendation, the SME Recommendation and the Recommendation on Trade, Climate Action and the Paris Agreement. Participants are invited to discuss opportunities and propose suggestions for future collaboration on the recommendations, and any other issue related to inclusive trade.

Day 2 - Wednesday, December 9

8:45 - Sign-In

9:00 – Update on Early Review of the TSD Chapters

After Canada and the EU provide an update on their efforts under the review, including a summary of the discussions during the Second Dedicated Session between the parties on TSD early review on October 23, 2020, participants are invited to share their views.

9:30 - Canada-EU Cooperation on Labour

Under the CETA Trade and Labour Chapter, the Parties have committed to cooperate to promote the objectives of the chapter, through actions such as the exploration of various collaboration initiatives. Participants are invited to discuss and propose suggestions for future collaboration.

10:00 - Canada-EU Cooperation Towards a Sustainable COVID-19 Recovery

In light of the challenges posed by COVID-19, participants are encouraged to provide perspectives, including on sustainable supply chains.

10:45 - Wrap-Up