The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade is confident the trade deal will benefit both countries’ economies and signal Canada’s strong, ongoing support for an emerging democracy and a longstanding partner.
Following its unanimous approval by the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, was tabled in the Senate on May 19, 2017 and Bill C-31 adopted.
Canada has had long standing relations with Ukraine. Beginning in 1891, when Canada was a young nation, tens of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants began settling in the Prairies. In 1991, Canada was the first Western nation to recognize the independence of Ukraine and this is the first ever trade agreement for Ukraine with a partner outside of Europe or Central Asia. This is more than just a free trade agreement. In addition to the reduction of tariffs (Ukrainian goods entering Canada would be duty-free); it includes a clause on anti-corruption mirroring the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as environmental protection requirements. For Canadian companies, the deal will give unfettered access to a market of 45 million potential customers.
View the Text of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement available on Global Affairs website.