Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 159, Number 50: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

December 13, 2025

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Interim Order Modifying the Operation of Certain Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Whereas certain provisions of subpart S of part 86 of Title 40, chapter I, subchapter C, of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States correspond to certain provisions of the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations ^{footnote a};

Whereas certain provisions of those Regulations are inconsistent with certain provisions of that subpart because of the final rule of the United States Environmental Protection Agency published on April 18, 2024 in volume 89, number 76, of the Federal Register of the United States, on page 27842;

Whereas certain provisions of subpart B of part 600 of Title 40, chapter I, subchapter Q of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States correspond to certain provisions of the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations ^{footnote b};

Whereas certain provisions of part 1037 of Title 40, chapter I, subchapter U of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States correspond to certain provisions of the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations ^{footnote c};

And whereas certain provisions of those Regulations are inconsistent with certain provisions of that part because of the final rule of the United States Environmental Protection Agency published on April 22, 2024 in volume 89, number 78, of the Federal Register of the United States, on page 29440;

Therefore, the Minister of the Environment issues the annexed Interim Order Modifying the Operation of Certain Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 under subsection 163(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 ^{footnote d}.

Ottawa, November 24, 2025

Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment

Interim Order Modifying the Operation of Certain Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations

Definition of medium-duty passenger vehicle

1 Despite the definition medium-duty passenger vehicle in subsection 1(1) of the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations, for the purposes of those Regulations, medium-duty passenger vehicle has the same meaning as in section 1803 of Title 40, chapter I, subchapter C, part 86, subpart S, of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, as it read on June 18, 2024.

Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations

Maximum GVWR — definitions of automobile and work truck

2 (1) For the purposes of the definitions automobile and work truck in subsection 1(1) of the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, any reference to “4 536 kg (10,000 pounds)” is to be read as a reference to “6 350 kg (14,000 pounds)”.

Reference to CFR

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the description of A in subsection 18.1(2) of those Regulations, the reference to “section 113(n)(2) of Title 40, chapter I, part 600, subpart B, of the CFR” is to be read as a reference to “section 116(c) of Title 40, chapter I, subchapter Q, part 600, subpart B, of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, as it read on June 18, 2024”.

Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations

January 1, 2020

3 Despite any provision of the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, those Regulations do not apply to trailers whose manufacture is completed on or after January 1, 2020.

Repeal

4 The Interim Order Modifying the Operation of Certain Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, made on January 31, 2025, is repealed.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Interim Order.)

The Interim Order Modifying the Operation of Certain Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 was made by the Minister of the Environment on November 24, 2025. The Interim Order temporarily suspends the application of the trailer provisions in the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, updates the light-duty plug-in hybrid electric vehicle calculation reference in the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, and revises the “medium-duty passenger vehicle” definition in the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations. Upon approval by the Governor in Council, and in accordance with subsection 163(5) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Interim Order will cease to have effect one year after it is made, or the day it is repealed, or the day on which any of these regulations are amended or repealed to give effect to the Order, whichever is earlier.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Order 2025-66-11-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List

The Minister of the Environment makes the annexed Order 2025-66-11-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List under subsection 66(2)^{footnote e} of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 ^{footnote d}.

Ottawa, December 4, 2025

Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment

Order 2025-66-11-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List

Amendments

1 Part I of the Non-domestic Substances List ^{footnote 1} is amended by adding the following in numerical order:

157707-72-7

2 Part II of the List is amended by adding the following in numerical order:
19796-4	Alkenoic acid-, alkyl ester, reaction product with glycerol trioleate and sulfur

Coming into Force

3 This Order comes into force on the day on which it is published in the Canada Gazette.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

SPECIES AT RISK ACT

Description of Nuttall’s Sheep Moth critical habitat in the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area and Vaseux Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Nuttall’s Sheep Moth (Hemileuca nuttalli) is listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. In Canada, the Nuttall’s Sheep Moth is restricted to the Antelope-brush habitat within the south Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

The recovery strategy for the Nuttall’s Sheep Moth identifies the critical habitat for the species in a number of areas, including within federally protected areas.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to subsection 58(3) of the Species at Risk Act, subsection 58(1) of that Act will apply, 90 days after this publication, to the critical habitat of the Nuttall’s Sheep Moth identified in the recovery strategy for that species — that is included on the Species at Risk Public Registry — that is found within the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area and Vaseux Lake Bird Sanctuary, described in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Wildlife Act and in the schedule to the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations made pursuant to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

December 13, 2025

Sarah Wren
Director
Species at Risk Act Implementation
Canadian Wildlife Service

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality — Radiological Parameters

Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the final Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality — Radiological Parameters. The technical document for these guidelines is available on the Water Quality - Reports and Publications web page. This document was publicly consulted for 60 days in 2024 and was updated taking into consideration the comments received.

December 5, 2025

Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Guideline

Maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) have been established for the most significant radionuclides in the uranium- and thorium-decay chains in drinking water. The MACs are derived from a reference level corresponding to a radiation dose of 1 millisievert per year (mSv/year).

Drinking water should initially be screened against a gross alpha radiation level of 0.5 becquerel/litre (Bq/L) and a gross beta level of 1 Bq/L. Individual radionuclide analysis is only necessary when one (or both) of these screening levels is exceeded.

Maximum acceptable concentrations established for natural radionuclides in drinking water, measured in becquerels per litre, are as follows:

lead-210: 2 Bq/L
radium-226: 5 Bq/L
radium-228: 2 Bq/L

If more than one of these radionuclides is detected, the sum of the ratios of the observed concentration to their corresponding MAC should not exceed 1.

Executive summary

Radionuclides are naturally present in the environment. Everyone is exposed to background radiation from cosmic and terrestrial sources, including food and drinking water. While natural sources are responsible for most of a person’s radiation exposure (accounting for over 98%, excluding medical sources), drinking water tends to be a minor component. These guidelines are applicable to radionuclides present in existing or new water systems under routine operational conditions. These guidelines do not apply in the event of a nuclear accident, which is covered under provincial emergency plans.

MACs are established for the three natural radionuclides (Pb-210 [lead-210], Ra-226 [radium-226] and Ra-228 [radium-228]) that are considered to be the most significant contributors to the radiation dose received from ingesting Canadian drinking water.

This guideline technical document was prepared in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water.

Exposure

Natural radionuclides are present at low concentrations in all rocks and soils. Concentrations can be elevated in groundwater; these are highly variable and are determined by the composition of the underlying bedrock as well as the physical and chemical conditions in the aquifer.

Radionuclide levels in excess of the MACs are likely to occur only in a limited number of drinking water systems in Canada.

Health effects and risk

The main health risk associated with any exposure to low levels of radiation is an increase in the incidence of cancer among individuals in an exposed population.

Reviews of epidemiological studies have not found conclusive evidence of any health effects from drinking water containing natural levels of radioactivity. For the purposes of radiation protection, it is assumed that the risk of cancer increases linearly with exposure above the dose from background levels. The screening criteria and MACs identified in the guideline document are not directly associated with a quantified health risk; rather, they are set to align with international recommendations and the requirements outlined in the Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards.

Analytical and treatment considerations

Methods are available for screening water supplies for radioactivity, and individual radionuclides can be reliably measured to levels below the MACs.

At the municipal level, most radionuclides can be effectively removed from water supplies using treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange and lime softening. It should be noted that residuals from treatment may be radioactive at a low level, creating special considerations for waste disposal that water systems should take into account when choosing a treatment option.

At the residential scale, multiple point-of-entry and point-of-use treatment technologies are available, which have a similar removal efficacy to municipal-scale technologies. At the residential scale, devices are generally not expected to contain enough radioactivity to warrant special precautions by homeowners.

Distribution systems

Radiological elements can accumulate within distribution system sinks, or in the bulk water itself, by a variety of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms. When radionuclides are present in the source water, drinking water treatment systems should determine if they need to be included in their monitoring and distribution system management plans. It is recommended that water utilities develop a distribution system management plan to minimize the accumulation and release of radionuclides and co-occurring contaminants in the system.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

CANADA MARINE ACT

Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority — Supplementary letters patent

WHEREAS the Governor in Council issued a Certificate of Amalgamation containing letters patent to amalgamate the Hamilton Port Authority and the Oshawa Port Authority and to continue as one port authority named the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (“Authority”), effective June 18, 2019;

WHEREAS Schedule C of the letters patent sets out the real property, other than federal real property, held or occupied by the Authority;

WHEREAS, pursuant to subsection 46(2.1) of the Canada Marine Act (“Act”), the Authority wishes to acquire real property as described below;

WHEREAS the board of directors of the Authority has requested that the Minister of Transport (“Minister”) issue supplementary letters patent to set out the real property in Schedule C of the letters patent;

AND WHEREAS the Minister is satisfied that the amendments to the letters patent of the Authority are consistent with the Act,

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Act, the letters patent of the Authority are amended as follows:

1. Schedule C of the letters patent is amended by adding the following after the description of “Part 2 (Oshawa) 2.”:
- 3. PIN 16394-0109 (LT), PT LT C20 Sheet 27 PL 335 Oshawa as in D154477, confirmed by 40BA75; Oshawa; known municipally as 1615 Simcoe Street South in the City of Oshawa.
- 4. PIN 16394-0104 (LT), LT C5 Sheet 25 PL 335 Oshawa as confirmed by 40BA75; Oshawa; known municipally as 1689 Simcoe Street South in the City of Oshawa.
2. These supplementary letters patent take effect on the date of registration, in the Oshawa Land Registry Office, of the deeds of sale evidencing the transfer of the real property to the Authority.

ISSUED this 30th day of November, 2025.

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

INSURANCE COMPANIES ACT

Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Traders General Insurance Company, Elite Insurance Company, and Pilot Insurance Company — Letters patent of amalgamation and order to commence and carry on business

Notice is hereby given of the issuance,

pursuant to subsection 251(1) of the Insurance Companies Act, of letters patent amalgamating and continuing Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Traders General Insurance Company, Elite Insurance Company, and Pilot Insurance Company, as one company under the name, in English, Aviva Insurance Company of Canada and, in French, Compagnie d’Assurance du Canada, effective January 1, 2026; and
pursuant to subsection 52(4) of the Insurance Companies Act, of an order authorizing Aviva Insurance Company of Canada to commence and carry on business, and to insure risks falling within the classes of accident and sickness insurance, aircraft insurance, automobile insurance, boiler and machinery insurance, fidelity insurance, hail insurance, legal expense insurance, liability insurance, property insurance, and surety insurance, effective January 1, 2026.

December 13, 2025

Peter Routledge
Superintendent of Financial Institutions

PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE

Appointment opportunities

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

We are equally committed to providing a healthy workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work to one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful and harassment-free work environment.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions.

Current opportunities

The following opportunities for appointments to Governor in Council positions are currently open for applications. Every opportunity is open for a minimum of two weeks from the date of posting on the Governor in Council appointments website.

Governor in Council appointment opportunities
Position	Organization	Closing date
Parliamentary Budget Officer	Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer

GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

Consultations on a possible free trade agreement with Thailand

Promoting trade and investment with Indo-Pacific markets like Thailand is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Government’s approach to trade policy is one that puts the interests of Canadians front and centre.

To this end, the Government of Canada is soliciting the views of Canadians on possible free trade agreement negotiations with Thailand. As steps are taken to ensure that more Canadians have access to the benefits and opportunities that flow from international trade, traditionally under-represented groups in trade, such as women, small and medium-sized enterprises, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, 2SLGBTQI+, and racialized communities are encouraged to provide their input.

Background

Canada’s commercial relations with Thailand

Canada and Thailand have a dynamic and cooperative bilateral and multilateral relationship that is continuing to expand. Thailand is currently Canada’s second-largest overall trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Canada-Thailand bilateral merchandise trade totalled $6.37 billion in 2024 with Canadian exports being valued at $1.03 billion and imports at over $5.34 billion. Meanwhile, bilateral trade in services totalled $522 million in 2023. In addition, Canadian direct investment in Thailand totalled $531 million in 2024, while Thai direct investment in Canada reached $692 million.

Thailand is a key player in Southeast Asia, serving as a vital hub for trade and investment. For Canadian exporters, it is an increasingly lucrative market for a diverse range of products and services.

Canada-Thailand free trade agreement

On October 30, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul agreed to launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. Global Affairs Canada is launching public consultations and inviting Canadians to submit their views, reflections, and priorities with respect to free trade agreement negotiations with Thailand. Submissions received from these consultations will help define Canada’s interests in, and approach to, these negotiations.

Submission guidelines

More information on the Government’s consultations on a free trade agreement with Thailand can be found on the Consulting with Canadians web page.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views by January 27, 2026. Please be advised that any information received as a result of this consultation will be considered public information, unless explicitly requested otherwise. Please read carefully the privacy notice statement found on the Consulting with Canadians web page prior to sending a written submission.

Submissions should include the following:

the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business;
the specific issues being addressed; and
where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact they may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests.

Contributions can be sent to

Canada-Thailand FTA Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Indo-Pacific Trade Policy Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 0G2
Email: Thailand-ConsultationsTCA@international.gc.ca

Submissions by interested parties

The following are examples of areas where the Government would appreciate receiving views from Canadians:

Trade and investment interests

Goods of export or import interest (identified by Harmonized System [HS]/tariff codes) that would benefit from the expedited or phased-in removal of tariffs and other barriers, as well as any import sensitivities;
Origin procedures to administer the rules of origin, including any customs processes that may have an impact on accessing preferential tariff treatment;
Non-tariff barriers (such as import licensing, administration of tariff-rate quotas, taxes or lack of transparency), technical barriers to trade (including technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures;
Investment barriers, including restrictions imposed on foreign ownership or entry to market, questions of transparency of regulation, and performance requirements;
Interests related to trade in services, specifically identification of sectors and activities of export interest for Canadian service providers, market access barriers and domestic regulatory measures that either restrict or affect the ability to conduct business or deliver services in Thailand;
Temporary entry of businesspersons from Canada into Thailand and from Thailand into Canada, including impediments to obtain a work permit to work in the other market on a temporary basis, such as the application of economic needs tests or numerical restrictions;
Priority government procurement sectors for Canadian suppliers in Thailand, including at the central, sub-central and local levels; also, the goods, services, and construction services that Canadian suppliers are interested in selling to those government organizations, as well as barriers faced when selling or attempting to sell to governments in Thailand;
Any issues affecting business practices when interacting with state-owned enterprises;
Rules of origin, for specific products or sectors (identified by HS/tariff codes), that would be required to benefit from preferential tariff treatment;
Border and customs issues that have an impact on the movement of commercial goods into and out of Thailand;
Trade facilitation issues (e.g. impediments related to import procedures);
Electronic commerce (e.g. any restrictive measures faced by Canadian suppliers of digital products and services in Thailand, such as requirements for data localization);
Intellectual property (IP), including any issues with Thailand’s domestic IP framework (e.g. laws, regulations, policies or procedures) for the administration, protection, and enforcement of IP rights, or other measures that may result in discrimination against foreign IP, such as perceived requirements for the involuntary transfer of IP including the disclosure of trade secrets;
Competition policy matters, including competition law enforcement or other measures affecting competition in Thailand;
Preferred approach to trade remedies to be applied to trade between Canada and Thailand;
Any incidents of unfair business practices;
Development of small and medium-sized enterprises;
Support and advancement of traditionally under-represented groups in trade, including women and Indigenous Peoples; and promotion of environmental protection and conservation; and
Opportunities to advance transparency, anti-corruption and responsible business conduct, and to promote and protect good governance, the rule of law, and labour rights.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

Consulting Canadians on a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India

The Government of Canada is committed to diversifying its trade and investment partners in order to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Canadians. To this end, the Government of Canada is soliciting the views of Canadians on a potential bilateral trade agreement with India, which would be titled a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

As steps are taken to ensure that more Canadians have access to the benefits and opportunities that flow from international trade and investment, all Canadians, including traditionally under-represented groups, such as women, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized communities, are encouraged to provide their input.

Background

Canada’s commercial relations with India

Canada and India share over 75 years of diplomatic relations and deep people-to-people ties. India is a key partner, as Canada strengthens its economic links to the Indo-Pacific under a comprehensive strategy for the region. In 2024, India was Canada’s seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $30.9 billion. In that year, Canada’s merchandise exports to India were $5.3 billion, increasing by 3.3% from 2023. India is currently the world’s fourth-largest economy and is projected to become the third-largest economy by 2030.

Start of negotiations toward a potential Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

On November 23, 2025, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, and Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, announced their agreement to launch negotiations toward a potential CEPA. In anticipation of a commencement of negotiations in 2026, Global Affairs Canada is launching public consultations and inviting Canadians to submit their views, reflections, and priorities with respect to enhanced trade and investment with India. Submissions received from these consultations will help inform Canada’s interests in, and approach to, CEPA negotiations with India.

Submissions guidelines

More information on the Government’s consultations on possible future trade negotiations with India can be found on the Consulting with Canadians web page.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on this initiative with India by January 27, 2026. In the event of a request under the Access to Information Act, relevant records are released subject to applicable exceptions to disclosure under the Act. Please read carefully the privacy notice found on the Consulting with Canadians web page prior to sending a written submission.

Submissions should include the following information:

the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business;
the specific issues being addressed; and
where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact it may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests.

Contributions can be sent to

Canada-India Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Negotiations Division (TCE)
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1J1
Email: TCE-Consultations@international.gc.ca

Submissions by interested parties

The following are examples of areas where the Government would appreciate receiving views from Canadians:

Trade and investment interests

Goods of export or import interest (identified by Harmonized System [HS]/tariff codes) that would benefit from the expedited or phased-in removal of tariffs and other barriers, as well as any import sensitivities;
Origin procedures to administer the rules of origin, including any customs processes that may have an impact on accessing preferential tariff treatment;
Non-tariff barriers (such as import licensing, administration of tariff-rate quotas, taxes or lack of transparency), technical barriers to trade (including technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures;
Investment barriers, including restrictions imposed on foreign ownership or entry to market, questions of transparency of regulation, and performance requirements;
Interests related to trade in services, specifically identification of sectors and activities of export interest for Canadian service providers, market access barriers and domestic regulatory measures that either restrict or affect the ability to conduct business or deliver services in India;
Interests related to the temporary entry of business persons for the purpose of business activities, investment, or work, including economic sectors or activities where improved mobility could support trade and investment, and barriers that make this movement more difficult, such as labour market or economic needs tests, numerical restrictions (e.g. quotas or proportionality requirements), or other limitations;
Priority government procurement markets for Canadian suppliers in India, including at the central, regional and local levels; also, the goods, services, and construction services that Canadian suppliers are interested in selling to those government organizations, as well as barriers faced when selling or attempting to sell to the Government of India; and to lower levels of government;
Any issues affecting business practices when interacting with state-owned enterprises;
Rules of origin, for specific products or sectors (identified by HS/tariff codes), that would be required to benefit from preferential tariff treatment;
Border and customs issues that have an impact on the movement of commercial goods into and out of India;
Trade facilitation issues (e.g. impediments related to import procedures);
Digital Trade (e.g. any commercial interests in India relating to the digital economy, or restrictions or barriers Canadian companies are facing in providing their digital services or digital products via the Internet into India);
Intellectual property (IP), including India’s laws, regulations, policies or procedures for the administration, protection, ownership, licensing and enforcement of IP rights (such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright), or other measures that may result in discrimination against or affect the management of foreign-held IP, such as local-presence requirements or requirements that effectively result in the involuntary transfer of IP including the disclosure of trade secrets;
Competition policy matters, including competition law enforcement or other measures affecting competition in India;
Preferred approach to trade remedies to be applied to trade between Canada and India;
Any incidents of unfair business practices;
Development of small and medium-sized enterprises;
Promotion of environmental protection and conservation;
Promotion of labour rights and cooperation;
Support and advancement of traditionally under-represented groups in trade, including women and Indigenous Peoples; and
Opportunities to advance transparency, anti-corruption and responsible business conduct, and to promote and protect good governance, the rule of law, and human rights.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

Consulting Canadians on a potential free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates

The Government of Canada is committed to diversifying its trade and investment partners in order to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Canadians. To this end, the Government of Canada is soliciting the views of Canadians on a potential bilateral free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would be titled a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a potential accession of the UAE to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Background

Canada’s commercial relationship with the United Arab Emirates

Canada and the UAE celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2024 and enjoy strong bilateral relations supported by growing trade and investment ties. In 2024, total bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the UAE reached $3.4 billion, with Canadian exports totalling $2.6 billion (an increase of 24% from 2023) and imports totalling almost $800 million. Bilateral commercial services trade totalled $388 million in 2023, reflecting $245 million in Canadian commercial exports to the UAE and $140 million in imports. In 2024, Canadian Direct Investment Abroad (CDIA) in the UAE reached $242 million and UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada reached $8.8 billion.

Announcement of intent to launch negotiations toward a Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

On November 20, 2025, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced the intent to launch negotiations toward a potential CEPA. In anticipation of commencing CEPA negotiations in 2026, Global Affairs Canada is launching public consultations and inviting Canadians to submit their views, reflections, and priorities with respect to enhanced trade and investment with the UAE, as well as gathering perspectives on the potential impacts and opportunities of a Canada-UAE CEPA. Submissions received from these consultations will help define Canada’s interests in, and approach to, CEPA negotiations with the UAE.

On August 22, 2025, the UAE formally submitted a request for accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Submissions from these consultations will also inform Canada’s approach with respect to any potential consideration or engagement with the UAE concerning CPTPP accession.

Submissions guidelines

More information on the Government’s consultations on possible future trade negotiations with the UAE can be found on the Consulting with Canadians web page.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on this initiative with the UAE by January 27, 2026. In the event of a request under the Access to Information Act, relevant records are released subject to applicable exceptions to disclosure under the Act. Please read carefully the privacy notice found on the Consulting with Canadians web page prior to sending a written submission.

Submissions should include the following information:

the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business;
the specific issues being addressed; and
where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact it may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests.

Contributions can be sent to

Canada-UAE Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
Trade Negotiations Division (TCE)
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1J1
Email: TCE-Consultations@international.gc.ca

Submissions by interested parties

The following are examples of areas where the Government would appreciate receiving views from Canadians:

Trade and investment interests

Goods of export or import interest (identified by Harmonized System [HS]/tariff codes) that would benefit from the expedited or phased-in removal of tariffs and other barriers, as well as any import sensitivities;
Origin procedures to administer the rules of origin, including any customs processes that may have an impact on accessing preferential tariff treatment;
Non-tariff barriers (such as import licensing, administration of tariff-rate quotas, taxes or lack of transparency), technical barriers to trade (including technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures;
Investment barriers, including restrictions imposed on foreign ownership or entry to market, questions of transparency of regulation, and performance requirements;
Interests related to trade in services, specifically the identification of sectors and activities of export interest for Canadian service providers, market access barriers and domestic regulatory measures that either restrict or affect the ability to conduct business or deliver services in the UAE;
Interests related to the temporary entry of business persons for the purpose of business activities, investment, or work, including economic sectors or activities where improved mobility could support trade and investment, and barriers that make this movement more difficult, such as labour market or economic needs tests, numerical restrictions (e.g. quotas or proportionality requirements), or other limitations;
Priority government procurement markets for Canadian suppliers in the UAE at the federal level of government, also, the goods, services and construction services that Canadian suppliers are interested in selling to those government organizations, as well as barriers faced when selling or attempting to sell to the Government of the UAE;
Any issues affecting business practices when interacting with state-owned enterprises;
Rules of origin, for specific products or sectors (identified by HS/tariff codes), that would be required to benefit from preferential tariff treatment;
Border and customs issues that have an impact on the movement of commercial goods into and out of the UAE;
Trade facilitation issues (e.g. impediments related to import procedures);
Digital Trade (e.g. any commercial interests in the UAE relating to the digital economy, or restrictions or barriers Canadian companies are facing in providing their digital services or digital products via the Internet into the UAE);
Intellectual property (IP), including the UAE’s laws, regulations, policies or procedures for the administration, protection, ownership, licensing and enforcement of IP rights (such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright), or other measures that may result in discrimination against or affect the management of foreign-held IP, such as local-presence requirements or requirements that effectively result in the involuntary transfer of IP including the disclosure of trade secrets;
Competition policy matters, including competition law enforcement or other measures affecting competition in the UAE;
Preferred approach to trade remedies to be applied to trade between Canada and the UAE;
Any incidents of unfair business practices;
Development of small and medium-sized enterprises;
Promotion of environmental protection and conservation;
Promotion of labour rights and cooperation;
Support and advancement of traditionally under-represented groups in trade, including Indigenous Peoples and women; and
Opportunities to advance transparency, anti-corruption and responsible business conduct, and to promote and protect good governance, the rule of law, and human rights.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

Consulting Canadians on the resumption of free trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and negotiations for an accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership with Uruguay

The Government of Canada is committed to diversifying its trade and investment partners in order to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Canadians. To this end, the Government of Canada is soliciting the views of Canadians on the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Canada and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Canada will also be engaging in negotiations with Uruguay for a potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

As steps are taken to ensure that more Canadians have access to the benefits and opportunities that flow from international trade, traditionally under-represented groups, such as women, small and medium-sized enterprises, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, 2SLGBTQI+, and racialized communities, are encouraged to provide their input.

Background

Canada’s commercial relations with Mercosur

The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) is a trading bloc and customs union consisting of Argentina, Bolivia,^{footnote 2} Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Mercosur represents a gross domestic product of over US$ 3 trillion and a population of 282 million. As a bloc, it is the world’s 5th largest economy. Canada and Mercosur have a growing trade and investment relationship. In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade totalled CA$15.8 billion, with Canadian exports to the Mercosur market valued at CA$3.1 billion, and imports valued at CA$12.8 billion. The stock of Canadian direct investment in Mercosur reached CA$27.98 billion in 2024.

Resumption of negotiations towards a potential Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement

In March 2018, Canada and Mercosur launched FTA negotiations following stakeholder consultations announced in the Canada Gazette in April 2017. Seven rounds of negotiations were held, the most recent in August 2019, before talks were put on hold in 2020. In 2025, Canada and Mercosur members expressed interest in resuming FTA discussions as they focused on broadening and diversifying trade relations.

On August 25, 2025, Brazil, as the pro tempore president of Mercosur, and Canada issued a joint statement in which they directed senior trade officials to engage in discussions with the objective of resuming FTA negotiations between Canada and Mercosur.

To support negotiations, Global Affairs Canada is launching public consultations and inviting Canadians to submit their views, reflections, and priorities with respect to enhanced trade and investment with Mercosur. Submissions received from these consultations will help define Canada’s interests and inform its approach to FTA negotiations with Mercosur.

Uruguay formally submitted a request for accession to the CPTPP on December 1, 2022. On November 21, 2025, the CPTPP Commission established an accession working group to commence the accession process with Uruguay. Submissions from these consultations will also inform Canada’s approach in these accession negotiations with Uruguay.

Submission guidelines

More information on the Government’s consultations on possible future trade negotiations with Mercosur can be found on the Consulting with Canadians web page.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on this initiative with Mercosur by January 27, 2026. In the event of a request under the Access to Information Act, relevant records are released subject to applicable exceptions to disclosure under the Act. Please read carefully the privacy notice found on the Consulting with Canadians web page prior to sending a written submission.

Submissions should include the following:

the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business;
the specific issues being addressed; and
where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact they may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests.

Contributions can be sent to

Canada-Mercosur Trade Consultations
Global Affairs Canada
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1J1
Email: TCE-Consultations@international.gc.ca

Submissions by interested parties

The following are examples of areas where the Government would appreciate receiving views from Canadians:

Trade and investment interests

Goods of export or import interest (identified by Harmonized Sytem [HS]/tariff codes) that would benefit from the expedited or phased-in removal of tariffs and other barriers, as well as any import sensitivities;
Origin procedures to administer the rules of origin, including any customs processes that may have an impact on accessing preferential tariff treatment;
Non-tariff barriers (such as import licensing, administration of tariff-rate quotas, taxes or lack of transparency), technical barriers to trade (including technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures;
Investment barriers, including restrictions imposed on foreign ownership or entry to market, questions of transparency of regulation, and performance requirements;
Interests related to trade in services, specifically identification of sectors and activities of export interest for Canadian service providers, market access barriers and domestic regulatory measures that either restrict or affect the ability to conduct business or deliver services in Mercosur countries;
Interests related to the temporary entry of business persons for the purpose of business activities, investment, or work, including economic sectors or activities where improved mobility could support trade and investment, and barriers that make this movement more difficult, such as labour market or economic needs tests, numerical restrictions (e.g. quotas or proportionality requirements), or other limitations;
Priority government procurement markets for Canadian suppliers in Mercosur, including at the central, regional and local levels; also, the goods, services, and construction services that Canadian suppliers are interested in selling to those government organizations, as well as barriers faced when selling or attempting to sell to the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay; and to lower levels of government;
Any issues affecting business practices when interacting with state-owned enterprises;
Rules of origin, for specific products or sectors (identified by HS/tariff codes), that would be required to benefit from preferential tariff treatment;
Border and customs issues that have an impact on the movement of commercial goods into and out of Mercosur;
Trade facilitation issues (e.g. impediments related to import procedures);
Digital trade (e.g. any commercial interests in Mercosur relating to the digital economy, or restrictions or barriers Canadian companies are facing in providing their digital services or digital products via the Internet into Mercosur);
Intellectual property (IP), including Mercosur’s laws, regulations, policies or procedures for the administration, protection, ownership, licensing and enforcement of IP rights (such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright), or other measures that may result in discrimination against or affect the management of foreign-held IP, such as local-presence requirements or requirements that effectively result in the involuntary transfer of IP, including the disclosure of trade secrets;
Competition policy matters, including competition law enforcement or other measures affecting competition in Mercosur;
Preferred approach to trade remedies to be applied to trade between Canada and Mercosur;
Any incidents of unfair business practices;
Development of small and medium-sized enterprises;
Promotion of environmental protection and conservation;
Promotion of labour rights and cooperation;
Support and advancement of traditionally under-represented groups in trade, including women and Indigenous Peoples; and
Opportunities to advance transparency, anti-corruption and responsible business conduct, and to promote and protect good governance, the rule of law, and human rights.