Should Canada Pursue a Free Trade Agreement with the UAE?
Official title: Consulting Canadians on a potential free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates
Canada and the UAE want to negotiate a free trade deal. The government is asking what you think should be prioritized—from tariff cuts to labour rights to human rights protections. This would be Canada's first trade agreement with a Gulf state.
Why This Matters
Trade deals affect prices at the store and jobs in your community. The UAE is already a $3.4 billion trading partner. This deal could open doors for Canadian businesses—but critics worry about labour and human rights in the UAE. Your input shapes what Canada pushes for at the table.
What Could Change
A deal could eliminate tariffs on Canadian exports like agricultural products and machinery. It might also include commitments on environmental protection, labour rights, and anti-corruption. Service providers could get easier access to UAE markets.
Key Issues
- Which Canadian goods should get tariff-free access to the UAE?
- How should the deal address labour rights and human rights concerns?
- What service sectors should be prioritized for Canadian exporters?
- How can the deal support women and Indigenous peoples in trade?
- What environmental protections should be included?
How to Participate
- Review the Canada Gazette notice for full details on what the government is asking.
- Email your views to TCE-Consultations@international.gc.ca by the deadline. Include your thoughts on tariffs, services, labour rights, or any other priorities.