Bill C-57

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023

An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine

Sponsor

Status

This bill has received Royal Assent and is, or will soon become, law.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment implements the Canada–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, done at Ottawa on September 22, 2023.
Among other things, the enactment
(a) sets out rules of interpretation;
(b) specifies that no recourse is to be taken on the basis of sections 9 to 15 or any order made under those sections, or on the basis of the provisions of that Agreement, without the consent of the Attorney General of Canada;
(c) approves that Agreement;
(d) provides for the payment by Canada of its share of the expenditures associated with the operation of the institutional and administrative aspects of that Agreement;
(e) gives the Governor in Council the power to make orders in accordance with that Agreement;
(f) requires the Minister for International Trade to ensure that Canadian companies operating in Ukraine comply with the principles and guidelines referred to in the Agreement; and
(g) amends certain Acts to give effect to Canada’s obligations under that Agreement.
Finally, the enactment repeals the Canada–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act that was enacted in 2017.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-57s:

C-57 (2017) Law An Act to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act

C-57 (2015) Support for Families Act

C-57 (2013) Safeguarding Canada's Seas and Skies Act

C-57 (2010) Improving Trade Within Canada Act

Votes

Feb. 6, 2024 Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine

Feb. 5, 2024 Failed Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine (recommittal to a committee)

Dec. 12, 2023 Passed Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine

Nov. 21, 2023 Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-57 aims to modernize the existing free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine. The updated agreement includes new chapters on trade in services and investment, as well as revisions to existing chapters focusing on labor, the environment, and digital trade. A point of contention is the inclusion of language about promoting carbon pricing, with some arguing it imposes unnecessary environmental policy while others claim it simply reflects Ukraine's existing commitment to such measures.

Liberal

Strong support for Ukraine: Liberal members expressed strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting Canada's military, economic, and humanitarian aid. They emphasized the importance of the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement for Ukraine's economic stability and reconstruction during and after the war with Russia.
Modernized trade agreement: The Liberals underscored the benefits of the modernized Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement, including new chapters and provisions for investments, services, labor, and the environment. They argued that the agreement would facilitate increased trade between the two countries, support Ukraine's economy, and attract Canadian expertise and investment.
Criticism of Conservative opposition: Liberal members criticized the Conservative Party's opposition to the free trade agreement, accusing them of spreading disinformation and undermining unanimous support for Ukraine. They refuted the Conservative argument that the agreement would impose carbon taxes on Ukraine, calling it a "red herring".
Defending environmental standards: Liberal members argued that the modernized agreement includes provisions recognizing the importance of mutually supportive trade and climate change policies. They highlighted the addition of articles to address key global environmental issues, such as plastic pollution and waste, and promote trade of environmental goods and services.

Conservative

Opposed to carbon pricing.: The Conservative party is against including carbon pricing in trade agreements, fearing it will lead to mandated carbon taxes in future agreements. They view the inclusion of carbon pricing as an attack on Ukraine, since most Ukrainians use carbon-based fuels for heating.
Liberals' hypocrisy.: Conservatives criticize the Liberal government for hypocrisy, citing the export permit waiver for a gas turbine that aided Russia, Canadian detonators found in Russian mines, and the lack of wartime insurance for Canadian businesses wanting to help Ukraine.
Existing agreement sufficient.: The Conservatives believe the existing free trade agreement with Ukraine is sufficient and that the updated agreement does not include essential support for Ukraine, such as LNG exports and munitions, while unnecessarily imposing carbon tax language.
Prioritize weapon shipments.: The Conservatives advocate for sending weapons and munitions to Ukraine, accusing the Liberals of prioritizing carbon tax measures over providing necessary defence supplies and energy security.

NDP

In favour of free trade: The NDP supports free trade and the original agreement with Ukraine in 2017. Their support is conditional on the protection and creation of Canadian jobs, the environment, and the well-being of all citizens.
Ukraine friendship special: The NDP recognizes the importance of the Canada-Ukraine relationship, highlighting the large Ukrainian diaspora in Canada and Canada's early recognition of Ukraine's independence. They believe in supporting Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.
Against investor-state dispute: The NDP is against the inclusion of investor-state dispute system (ISDS) provisions in trade agreements, as they allow foreign corporations to sue Canadian governments. The party attempted to remove the ISDS implementation in this agreement, but was voted down.
Process concerns: The NDP emphasizes the importance of parliamentary input into trade negotiations before they begin, advocating for increased transparency and adherence to established procedures. They note the compressed timeline of debate on this agreement.

Bloc

Supports the agreement: The Bloc supports the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement implementation act, as it puts some meat on the bones of the previous skeletal version and presents promising opportunities for Quebec, particularly for pork producers and engineering firms.
Investor-state dispute settlement: The Bloc opposes the inclusion of the investor-state dispute settlement clause, as it allows multinationals to sue states when government measures affect their profits, potentially hindering Canada's ability to seize assets of individuals supporting Russia and limiting the power of states to legislate.
Enforcement of responsible conduct: The Bloc Québécois successfully amended the bill to shift from lofty principles to political accountability, requiring the Minister to ensure Canadian companies comply with responsible conduct guidelines in Ukraine and to establish a process for handling non-compliance complaints.
Lack of transparency: The Bloc criticizes the lack of transparency in trade agreements, noting that MPs are often excluded from the process and that the government avoids scrutiny from opponents, calling for increased democratic control over agreements and greater involvement of elected members in negotiations.
Canada doing the bare minimum: The Bloc suggests Canada's primary objective is to appear as a reliable ally by doing the minimum, favouring actions that look good over those that actually work and providing modest military support compared to other countries, despite the agreement's aim to address corruption and promote labour, environmental, and human rights standards.

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Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023Government Orders

February 5th, 2024 / 6 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

The House resumed from February 5 consideration of the motion that Bill C‑57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, be read the third time and passed.

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023Government Orders

February 6th, 2024 / 3:15 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

It being 3:16 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C‑57.

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #627

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023Government Orders

February 6th, 2024 / 3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

I declare the motion carried.

(Bill read the third time and passed)

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023Government Orders

February 6th, 2024 / 3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

I wish to inform the House that, because of the deferred recorded division, Government Orders will be extended by 12 minutes.