Provisional agenda: CETA Civil Society Forum

March 18 and 19, 2024 (Ottawa)

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EDT), 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. (CET)

8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EDT), 1:45 - 5:00 p.m. (CET)

Day 1 – Monday, March 18

8:30 – Sign-in and registration

8:45 – Indigenous blessing

9:00 – Welcome and opening remarks

Canada and the European Union (EU) will provide a brief overview of the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Committee progress since its last meeting and objectives moving forward, acknowledging the key role participants play in supporting the effective implementation of the CETA trade and sustainable development, trade and labour and trade and environment chapters.

9:15 – Opening remarks from the Domestic Advisory Groups’ Chairs, and question period

The Domestic Advisory Groups' (DAG) Chairs will share their perspectives and priorities on the matters covered under the CETA TSD Chapters. The moderator will then invite questions from the public to Canada, the EU and DAG Chairs.

9:45 – Discussion on environment and climate change

Canada and the EU will briefly share their progress on the implementation of the CETA trade and environment chapter and will outline their trade relevant climate and environmental policy developments.

10:05 – Break

10:20 – Discussion on enabling climate and nature-positive outcomes through CETA

Fireside chat featuring DAG representatives, with open questions from public. Expected themes of discussion include Indigenous rights and the environment, and the critical minerals required for a clean economy.

11:00 – Canada-EU cooperation on labour

Canada and the EU will briefly share their progress on the implementation of the CETA trade and labour chapter and will outline their trade relevant labour policy developments.

Participants will be invited to share their views and ask questions.

11:55 – Wrap-up and housekeeping for day 2

Day 2 –Tuesday, March 19

8:45 – Sign-in

9:00 – Welcome and housekeeping

9:05 – DAG-led presentation and discussion on business and human rights

Canada and EU DAG representatives will present on Business and Human Rights with a focus on the third pillar of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): Access to Remedy.

The moderator will then coordinate an open questions & answers session.

10:20 – Break

10:30 – Discussion on trade, gender and small and medium-sized enterprises

Canada and the EU will provide remarks and present on trade, gender and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The session will end with an open questions and answers period.

11:30 – General comments and questions from civil society members

11:55 – Wrap up and closing comments