Global Affairs Canada - Notice of intent to conduct impact assessments, including an initial environmental assessment and gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), on a possible Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

On January 9, 2021, the Government of Canada launched public consultations to seek the views of Canadians on a possible Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

In parallel, the government is seeking the views of Canadians on the potential impacts and opportunities that a Canada-Indonesia CEPA may have with respect to the environment—including greenhouse-gas emissions—through an initial environmental assessment. The government will also examine gender and other diversity considerations through a gender-based analysis plus (GBA+).

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, Global Affairs Canada conducts environmental assessments (EAs) for all trade and investment negotiations using a process that requires interdepartmental coordination and public consultation. The objectives of the environmental assessment of a trade agreement are:

1. to assist Canadian negotiators in integrating environmental considerations into the negotiating process by providing information on the environmental impacts of a proposed trade and/or investment agreement
2. to document how environmental factors are being considered in the course of trade negotiations

The government will also conduct an economic impact assessment (EIA) of a possible Canada-Indonesia CEPA. Findings from the EIA, which includes assessing the expected impact of a possible CEPA on the Canadian labour market, are used to inform both the EA and GBA+.

Public consultations are an important part of this process, and they help to inform the initial impact assessments of Canada-Indonesia CEPA negotiations. Once negotiations conclude, and prior to the ratification of the agreement, a final economic impact assessment, final environmental assessment and final GBA+ will be undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the negotiated outcome on the environment, labour, gender and inclusivity.

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of industry stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples, and all interested Canadian citizens. Interested parties are invited to submit their views by February 23, 2021. Please be advised that any information received as a result of this consultation will be considered as public information, unless explicitly specified otherwise.

Submissions should include the following information:

1. the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business
2. the specific issues being addressed
3. where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact it may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests

Contributions can be sent by email or mail to: 

Email: consultations@international.gc.ca

Mailing address:
Trade Negotiations —Trade Agreements and CUSMA Secretariat (TCT)
Global Affairs Canada
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1J1