Report of the Committee on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications to the Joint Committee

June 9, 2021 (by videoconference)

3rd round of negotiations on an Agreement between the EU and Canada on the Mutual Recognition of professional qualifications of architects

The third round of negotiations took place via videoconference on 9 June 2021. The Parties were represented by the European Commission on behalf of the European Union (EU), and Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authority (CALA) on behalf of Canada. Representatives of Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Governments attended as observers.

The Parties discussed all elements of the draft for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between Canada and the EU for the profession of architects. The Parties reached agreement on the application of the MRA during provisional application of CETA and finalised the content of all appendices, which contain detailed information pertaining to recognition requirements.

The following elements were discussed in further detail during the round:

• The Parties exchanged views concerning the circumstances under which the CETA dispute settlement procedures might be used to resolve issues arising under the MRA.
• The EU provided information on the scope of non-conforming measures reserved by certain Member States under CETA where they could be relevant for recognition under the MRA.
• Possible grandfathering of recognition decisions in the unlikely case of termination of CETA.
• Obligation of the Parties to inform each other about new regulatory developments relevant for the MRA.

The Parties committed to further consider all unresolved issues and exchange information where necessary in advance of a fourth round of negotiations tentatively scheduled for the end of June 2021.