Informal Heads of Delegation Meeting – November 19, 2021

Canada’s statement

On the WTO’s response to the pandemic, my minister is clear: Canada supports a strong multilateral declaration. As she said last week during her visit to Geneva, not having one would be inconsistent with the work we have done here over these past two years. It is important we recognize the contributions of Members, both in papers and proposals and in the discussions held in various councils and committees. We have examined many aspects of our use of trade measures to respond to the pandemic. We have heard some positives and some negatives; it would be a shame if we cannot reflect that in the declaration. Work post the 12^th Ministerial Conference (MC12) on the issues related to pandemic response will need to be substantive. The objective must be to devise concrete guidance and recommendations.

On agriculture, we applaud the Chair for her efforts. A package for MC12 that moves the agriculture reform process forward and that contributes to food security is within reach. Canada is prepared to engage constructively on all issues. If we aim for comprehensive work plans across the board, a package can be attained. However, if members continue to insist on including a permanent solution for public stockholding for food security purposes, this will not lead to balance or success at MC12.

On fisheries subsidies, Canada supports the Chair’s text as a basis and is willing to work with other Members to find compromise solutions provided that they do not undermine the sustainability objectives at the heart of these negotiations.

On dispute settlement, we seek to ensure that discussions take place swiftly after MC12 with the goal of having a fully and well functioning dispute settlement system.

On the trade and environmental sustainability structured discussions, there is now a stabilized version of the ministerial statement that will provide a strong basis for future work. Canada encourages those Members who have not yet done so to endorse the statement and join as co-sponsors.

On services, we wish to thank the Ambassador of Thailand for her efforts. Canada had hoped Members could have reached consensus on a meaningful text to be incorporated in the MC12 outcome document.

On services domestic regulation, Canada is pleased with the progress achieved and places a high value on conclusion by MC12.