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House Bill

Bill C-57

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 19, 2024
Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023
  • This is a summary of a bill called the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. The purpose of this act is to implement the free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine that was signed in 2023. The act includes provisions for interpretation, approval of the agreement, administrative and institutional provisions, and orders that can be made by the Governor in Council. It also amends certain existing acts to align with the obligations under the agreement. The act repeals a previous act that implemented a different free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine.
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  • RA
  • Yea (290)
  • Nay (132)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill C-57, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, could be as follows: 1. Economic Benefits: The implementation of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement will create opportunities for economic development by promoting the expansion of reciprocal trade and strengthening economic relations between Canada and Ukraine. This will lead to increased trade and investment, which can stimulate economic growth and job creation in both countries. 2. Fair Competition: The agreement aims to promote conditions of fair competition affecting trade between Canada and Ukraine. By eliminating barriers to trade in goods and services, the agreement ensures a predictable commercial framework for business planning and investment. This can lead to a level playing field for businesses in both countries, encouraging competition and innovation. 3. Environmental Protection: The agreement includes provisions to promote high levels of environmental protection, including effective enforcement of environmental laws, mutually supportive trade and environmental policies, and strengthened environmental cooperation between Canada and Ukraine. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and responsible trade practices. 4. Labor Rights: The agreement recognizes the importance of protecting and enhancing basic workers' rights. It aims to strengthen cooperation on labor matters and build on the respective international commitments of Canada and Ukraine. This can lead to improved labor standards and working conditions for workers in both countries. 5. Cultural Diversity: The agreement recognizes the right of the Parties to preserve, develop, and implement their cultural policies for the purpose of strengthening cultural diversity. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting and promoting cultural diversity in accordance with the rights and obligations provided for in the agreement. 6. Transparency and Good Governance: The agreement aims to promote transparency, good governance, and the rule of law. It strengthens commitments to combat bribery and corruption in trade and investment. This can contribute to a more transparent and accountable business environment, fostering trust and confidence in trade relations between Canada and Ukraine. 7. Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: The agreement respects the values and principles of democracy and promotes and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms. This demonstrates a commitment to upholding and promoting human rights in both countries. In summary, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act can bring economic benefits, promote fair competition, protect the environment, enhance labor rights, support cultural diversity, promote transparency and good governance, and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. These factors make a strong case for the implementation of the agreement.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-57: While free trade agreements can be beneficial for economic growth and international cooperation, there are several concerns with the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement that should be considered. 1. Loss of Sovereignty: The implementation of this agreement would require Canada to give up some of its sovereignty to an international body, the Joint Commission. This undermines the ability of the Canadian government to make decisions in the best interest of its citizens without interference from foreign entities. 2. Job Losses: Free trade agreements often result in job losses, particularly in industries that face competition from lower-cost foreign producers. This agreement could lead to job losses in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture, as Canadian businesses struggle to compete with Ukrainian counterparts who may have lower labor and production costs. 3. Threat to Domestic Industries: The agreement could also pose a threat to domestic industries, as it opens up the Canadian market to increased competition from Ukrainian goods and services. This could lead to the decline of Canadian industries and the loss of domestic market share. 4. Regulatory Harmonization: Free trade agreements often require regulatory harmonization, which can lead to a lowering of standards and regulations in order to facilitate trade. This could compromise important regulations in areas such as environmental protection, labor rights, and consumer safety. 5. National Security Concerns: Opening up trade with Ukraine raises national security concerns, particularly given the ongoing conflict in the region. Increased trade could potentially lead to the infiltration of Canadian markets by illicit goods or compromise sensitive industries. 6. Lack of Transparency: The negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements often lack transparency, with important decisions being made behind closed doors. This lack of transparency undermines democratic processes and limits public input and scrutiny. In conclusion, while free trade agreements can have benefits, it is important to carefully consider the potential negative consequences. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement raises concerns about loss of sovereignty, job losses, threats to domestic industries, regulatory harmonization, national security, and lack of transparency. These concerns should be addressed before moving forward with the implementation of this agreement.
Royal Assent
  • March 19, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • Read

Senate Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 29, 2024
Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA)
Re. Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, without amendment
  • Thirteenth Report

  • The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade has the honour to present its

    THIRTEENTH REPORT

    Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, has, in obedience to the order of reference of February 15, 2024, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment.

    Respectfully submitted,

    PETER M. BOEHM

    Chair

  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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Senate Second Reading
  • Feb. 6, 2024, 10 a.m.
  • Passed
Senate First Reading
  • Feb. 6, 2024, 10 a.m.
  • Passed

House Motion No. 626

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
Feb. 5, 2024, 3:25 p.m.
Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine (recommittal to a committee)
  • That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following:

    “Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, be not now read a third time, but be referred back to the Standing Committee on International Trade with the view to amend the coming into force provision to allow it to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council after the removal of all references to carbon pricing and carbon leakage.”.

House Motion No. 607

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
Dec. 12, 2023, 11:42 a.m.
Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine
  • That Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, as amended, be concurred in at report stage.

House Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 01, 2023