Should Canada Pursue a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand?
Official title: Share your views: Consulting Canadians on a potential Canada-Thailand Free Trade Agreement
Canada is considering resuming free trade negotiations with Thailand. The government wants to know which Canadian products and services would benefit from reduced tariffs, and what barriers currently make it hard to do business there. They're also asking about labour rights, environmental protection, and how to include underrepresented groups in trade benefits.
Why This Matters
Work in agriculture, manufacturing, or services? A trade deal could open new markets for Canadian businesses. Import goods from Southeast Asia? Prices might drop. Care about labour standards abroad? This deal could include protections—or not, depending on what Canadians push for.
What Could Change
If negotiations proceed, tariffs on Canadian exports to Thailand could be reduced or eliminated over time. New rules might govern how Canadian service providers operate there. The agreement could include enforceable labour and environmental standards, or it might not—that's partly what this consultation will determine.
Key Issues
- Which Canadian goods would benefit most from reduced tariffs with Thailand?
- What non-tariff barriers make it hard for Canadian businesses to trade with Thailand?
- How should the agreement promote labour rights and environmental protection?
- How can trade benefits reach underrepresented groups like women and Indigenous Peoples?
How to Participate
- Read the Canada Gazette notice for full details on the consultation.
- Review the privacy notice before submitting your views.
- Email your feedback to thailand-consultationstca@international.gc.ca by the deadline.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (7)
- What goods of export or import interest would benefit from the removal of tariffs and other barriers?
- What non-tariff barriers, technical barriers to trade, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures should this FTA address?
- What service sectors and activities are of export interest for Canadian service providers?
- How should the agreement promote environmental protection and conservation?
- How should the agreement promote labour rights and cooperation?
- How can the agreement support underrepresented groups in trade, including women and Indigenous Peoples?
- What opportunities exist to advance transparency, anti-corruption, responsible business conduct, and human rights?