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

June 29, 2021 (by videoconference)

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

The fourth round of negotiations took place via videoconference on 29 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 and resolved issues related to the procedures by which the agreement enters into effect and becomes binding, while also agreeing on provisions on mutual cooperation for the exchange of information and the grandfathering of recognition decisions in the case of termination of CETA.

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

• The circumstances under which the CETA dispute settlement procedures might be used to resolve issues arising under the MRA and EU policy in this regard.
• The EU provided further information in response to Canada’s questions regarding non-conforming measures reserved by certain Member States under CETA where they could be relevant for recognition for the exchange of information under the MRA.
• The Parties exchanged views concerning Canada’s proposal that Provincial and Territorial regulatory bodies should be able to sign an Appendix acknowledging the MRA negotiated on their behalf.

The Parties committed to advance their respective internal consultations until they meet again for a fifth round of negotiations scheduled on 15 September 2021.