Statement on joint commitment with WTO members to maintain predictable and rules-based trade at this critical time

May 5, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement:

“In this period of unprecedented health and economic challenges due to COVID-19, the predictability and stability provided by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the rules-based international trading system is crucial for Canadian businesses and workers, as well as the path towards economic recovery.

”Today, Canada and 41 WTO members signed a joint statement (PDF) to reinforce our commitment to and support for rules-based multilateral trade at this critical time. 

“Together, we agreed that trade should remain open and predictable, and we committed not to impose export restrictions or unnecessary barriers. This will ensure people in Canada and around the world can continue to access essential goods and services amid COVID-19.

“From working with our global counterparts to facilitate the cross-border movement of essential goods and services, to reconfirming our support for a multi-party interim arrangement for disputes through the WTO, to taking action to ensure agriculture and agri-food supply chains are not disrupted – Canada is working closely with our international partners to support Canadian jobs, businesses, and our global economy through this pandemic.”

 “Canada and these 41 WTO members support resuming WTO activities as soon as possible, including the important work that Canada is leading on WTO reform and finding a permanent solution to the WTO Appellate Body impasse.”