Should Canada Pursue a Trade Deal with India?
Official title: Consulting Canadians on a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India
Canada and India are gearing up to negotiate a major trade deal. Before talks begin in 2026, the government wants to know what matters most to Canadians—which products should get tariff cuts, what barriers hurt Canadian businesses, and how to protect workers and the environment along the way.
Why This Matters
India is one of the world's fastest-growing economies with 1.4 billion people. A trade deal could mean cheaper imports and new markets for Canadian businesses. But it also raises questions about labour standards, environmental protections, and which industries might face tougher competition.
What Could Change
Tariffs on goods traded between Canada and India could be reduced or eliminated. Canadian service providers might get easier access to Indian markets. New rules could be established for labour rights, environmental standards, and anti-corruption measures in bilateral trade.
Key Issues
- Which Canadian goods should get priority for tariff reductions?
- What trade barriers are hurting Canadian businesses trying to export to India?
- How should the deal protect labour rights and the environment?
- How can the deal support underrepresented groups like women and Indigenous Peoples?
- What safeguards are needed for human rights, anti-corruption, and good governance?
How to Participate
- Review the official notice in the Canada Gazette for full details on the consultation.
- Email your views to tce-consultations@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 CEPA address?
- What services 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?