Canada’s interventions – WTO General Council

December 19-20, 2022

Canada’s Statements as delivered by Ambassador Nadia Theodore and Deputy Permanent Representative Martin Moen

2. FOLLOW-UP TO OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES
   • MC12
     • WTO REFORM – STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR

On reform, Canada commends the work that has already started in respect of the deliberative function, in particular the progress being made in the Council for Trade in Goods and its subsidiary bodies. The reports that have been circulated by the various bodies provide a substantive picture of what efforts have been made to improve the practical aspects of the work.

We also welcome the presentations earlier this month on the main digital tools used by delegates and capital based officials, especially the focus on how they can assist in the preparation and follow up to Committee meetings.

We look forward to engaging next year in a purposeful, horizontal discussion of what has been done, and can be done, to enhance the organization and conduct of our deliberative work.

We join the EU, UK, and others on the urgent need for chairs for agriculture.

Before concluding, I would like to say that as long as Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war of aggression in Ukraine continues, Canada will not engage with Russia at the WTO in a business as usual fashion. Russia’s heinous military actions have seriously affected the Ukrainian economy and its ability to trade- the very thing this organisation is designed to support. Canada’s support for Ukraine and its people is unwavering.