Notice of Intent to enter into negotiations toward a Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement

Dear Members of Parliament:

In accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements relating to new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), introduced in the Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament in 2020, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government’s intent to initiate negotiations toward a Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with Ecuador no earlier than 90 days from the date of this notice.

Strengthening and diversifying trade and investment with like-minded partners is key to ensuring an inclusive economy and sustainable prosperity for Canadian businesses, workers and families. The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians succeed globally by expanding trade and investment opportunities as well as supporting a rules-based trading system. Bilateral free trade negotiations with Ecuador will accelerate Canada’s growing trade ties with this partner and complete Canada’s FTA coverage with all countries along the Pacific coast of South America.

Ecuador and Canada enjoy strong bilateral relations governed by shared values, including a commitment to prosperity, democracy, human rights, and an open, inclusive, and rules-based international trading system. In recent years, Canada-Ecuador relations have been reinforced by growing diplomatic and commercial ties between our countries. In 2022, total bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Ecuador reached a record-high $1.28 billion. Canada is also the largest foreign investor in Ecuador, with investments valued at $2.6 billion in 2022.

To capitalize and build on this growth, Canada and Ecuador launched exploratory discussions towards a potential FTA in November 2022. Over the past year of bilateral discussions, trade officials have identified strong alignment in our respective approaches to trade policy and the potential for an ambitious, high-standard FTA to be reached.

The Government of Canada also held public consultations from January 6 to February 21, 2023. Canadians were invited, via a Canada Gazette notice and publication on the Global Affairs Canada webpage, to submit their views on a potential Canada-Ecuador FTA and related economic, social, and environmental impacts. Through this process, Provinces and Territories, non-governmental organizations, and individual Canadians largely expressed support for an FTA with Ecuador as a means of diversifying trade and increasing commercial opportunities.

In accordance with the Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, Canada’s negotiating objectives for a Canada-Ecuador FTA will be tabled in the House of Commons no later than 30 days before Canada commences negotiations with Ecuador. Should FTA negotiations be successfully concluded, the government will also table the final agreement and an accompanying economic impact assessment in the House of Commons.

I look forward to working closely and transparently with Parliament in advance of and throughout the negotiations for a Canada-Ecuador FTA.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P.