On September 21, 2017, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally. Chapter 21 of the CETA lays out the framework through which the Parties will carry out regulatory cooperation activities. This includes the establishment of a new Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF) with the mandate of facilitating and promoting regulatory cooperation.
The Government of Canada is seeking input from stakeholders on potential areas for regulatory cooperation with the E.U. This input may include proposing to align or streamline existing regulatory systems, or to work collaboratively in new sectors that are not yet regulated. These new areas could offer the unique opportunity for Canada and the E.U. to develop aligned frameworks together. Stakeholder input is instrumental in providing practical recommendations for cooperation and/or alignment opportunities and priorities, as well as possible pilot projects. It is important to note that regulatory cooperation and alignment is voluntary and is about working together where it is mutually beneficial.
Canadians, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit suggestions for regulatory cooperation items for consideration by April 11, 2018.
For more information on how to submit your suggestions, please refer to the notification which can be found here: http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2018/2018-02-10/html/notice-avis-eng.html#ne9.
For more information on the Canada-E.U. RCF, please visit: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/ceta-aecg/text-texte/21.aspx?lang=eng.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat at rcd-dcmr@tbs-sct.gc.ca.