Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023

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

Sponsor

Mary Ng  Liberal

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

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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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:50 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

I will refer to our book, the Bosc and Gagnon book on procedure. On page 590, chapter 12. It reads:

It is not in order for Members to “reflect” upon (i.e., to reconsider or comment upon) votes of the House, and when this has occurred, the Chair has been quick to call attention to it. Members have also occasionally called attention to the rule.

I will remind the hon. parliamentary secretary that it is not only a standing order but has also been addressed in House of Commons Procedure and Practice.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:50 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, I look forward to the report back from the Chair.

On that particular point, and I am rising on a point of order, I would like to use the member for Louis-Saint-Laurent as an example, when he stood up and indicated:

The Liberals voted against that request and even the Bloc Québécois voted against. It is outrageous.

The Bloc Québécois voted in favour of Bill C‑234, but it voted against asking the Senate to adopt it.

We find endless examples like this one, and that is the reason it is important that we—

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:50 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

I agree with the hon. member. There have been many examples of references to votes but today, the standing order was invoked. That is what we are dealing with. Until such time as the Chair comes back with a decision, I think we have to abide by it.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:50 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, I was going through what had taken place during the voting marathon in which the Conservative Party continued to demonstrate its lack of support for Ukraine.

When one thinks of Operation Unifier, that is something that literally trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and contributed positively to the war. The way in which Canada contributes can be found in many different ways. One of those was on that particular vote and that was actually Motion No. 54. I would encourage Canadians who want to find out exactly how the Conservatives voted to look it up.

Another vote was on funding to reinforce Canada's support for Ukraine, which, again, complemented Unifier. That was on Motion No. 55. Again, I will not say how parties voted, but I would indicate that Canadians might want to take a look at the votes and proceedings, to see how the Conservative Party voted.

Motion No. 56 was on funding for military aid. Think about that: military aid for Ukraine. This item received funding from the Treasury Board vote 5, which is government contingency funding, for the expanded contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is budget 2023, funding to reinforce Canada's support for Ukraine.

If those who are following the debate want to understand why I have said what I have said and have expressed my disappointment in today's Conservative Party, all they need to do is look at the voting record on those motions and, I would suggest, the report stage of the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement bill. A lot of Canadians would be very disappointed in the official opposition.

I would suggest that the reason we have seen that voting pattern by the Conservative Party is the MAGA right movement in the United States of America and how that movement is coming north. It is being jumped on by the leader of the official opposition.

In fact, as I have suggested in the past, we need to be concerned about patterns. One of the patterns that I have witnessed coming from the leader of the official opposition's office is the misinformation and how the official opposition is using that style of politics of MAGA right in order to generate the type of attention that the Conservatives want. They will do it at all costs.

Ukraine is but one—

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

The hon. member for Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon is rising on a point of order.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

Conservative

Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC

Madam Speaker, I continue to rise on points of order because the language we are hearing from the member from Winnipeg is contrary to Standing Order 18. It is implying that the Conservative Party of Canada is breaking laws related to treason in Canada.

As a member of Parliament, I find that offensive to assume that we are influenced by a foreign government—

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

I do not think the hon. member was implying such a thing. He was referring to influences, not necessarily to being treasonous.

The hon. parliamentary secretary is rising on a point of order.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

Liberal

Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON

Madam Speaker, on the same point of order, I would point out that the Conservatives often make false claims about associations and such—

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

We are not going to start a debate on this.

The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan is rising on a point of order.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Madam Speaker, I think my colleague knows well the rules about accusing people of lying or being liars in the House—

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

I do not think the hon. member did such a thing. She said that people on both sides accuse each other of different things.

I will let the hon. parliamentary secretary continue.

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

December 12th, 2023 / 11:55 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, guilt is a wonderful thing at times. When I look across the way, I see a lot of heads that are down and those members look somewhat depressed. I suspect it might have to do with something that has taken place in terms of their behaviour with respect to Ukraine. Canadians have unified and understood the importance of what is taking place in Ukraine today, but they are disappointed in what they have witnessed coming from the Conservative Party.

The President of Ukraine, at a time of war, came to Canada. While in Canada, he signed a trade agreement that is very meaningful not only for economic purposes, but also for morale and making a strong political statement to countries like Russia. It shows that Ukraine is building relationships with the European Union and North America, because Ukraine wants to be able to expand its economy and its relationships through trade agreements.

The president, during a time of war, took the time to come here. Let us go back to when we first introduced the bill. In September, he was here. A couple of months later, we are actually dealing with the legislation.

If we look at the comments that I put on the record back then, I said I suspect that all members of the House would be glad to see the legislation pass and how wonderful it would be to pass the legislation before Christmas. When I said “pass”, I meant that it had to go through the entire process, including in the Senate. The House will rise in a couple of days, and we have not even got out of third reading.

The solidarity for Ukraine is not there because the Conservative Party of today has made the decision to do what it can to deny the unanimous support that is required to get this legislation through. What we have seen today is the Conservative Party does not want us to tell anyone how it is actually voting because the Conservatives feel ashamed about it. That is why.

Never before have I been limited in any way, which is why I am very anxious to hear the ruling on being able to tell Canadians how another entity or individual in the House voted. However, I will respect what you have said, Madam Speaker, in the hope that we will get clarity on the issue. I suspect there are many people in this chamber who want to be able to ask the Conservative Party why and challenge it on its actions.

The best excuse the Conservatives have come up with is the issue of the price on pollution. That is a red herring. That is all that is. The Conservatives say the reason they are uncomfortable with the legislation is that it has a price on pollution. What they do not recognize is that Ukraine already has a price on pollution. It has had one for over a decade. The whole European Union is moving toward a price on pollution.

Only the leader of the Conservative Party here in Canada believes that there is no need for a price on pollution and that there is no need to have a plan for Canada's environment.

I heard one of my colleagues say that it is going back to the Stone Age. I can appreciate why she would say that. They have climate deniers. They do not recognize it. They feel that all they have to do is one thing, but I am scared that if I say the word “mislead”, they will jump up like beans saying that I cannot say that.

Let us think about it. Here is what the Conservatives actually say, coast to coast to coast. Conservatives with their shiny-new leader say they are going to cut the tax, that they are going to garbage the price on pollution, and that they are going to make life more affordable. That is what we see today from the Conservative right.

I could provide a 20-minute comment in regard to their lack of respect for the whole issue of the environment, but rather, what I would like to point to is just the degree to which they are misleading Canadians. In essence, they are saying that they are going to get rid of the price on pollution for the residents of Winnipeg North, and that means they are going to axe the tax. That is what, in essence, the Conservatives are saying. They are saying that they would be making life more affordable. I say balderdash. At the end of the day, the Conservatives would actually take money out of the pockets of my constituents because 80-plus per cent get more money back in the rebates than they pay into the price on pollution. That tells me that the Conservatives would take money away from Canadians, but they do not tell Canadians that, because that is not part of the MAGA movement.

The MAGA movement says to mislead, and that is what the Conservatives are doing to Canadians from coast to coast to coast. They are deceiving real people. They are hurting Canadians. They are not helping on the affordability file—

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

December 12th, 2023 / noon

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

The hon. member's time is up.

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Dufferin—Caledon.

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

December 12th, 2023 / noon

Conservative

Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON

Madam Speaker, opposition parties oppose, and they oppose legislation that they think is bad. That does not cause harm to anyone. The parliamentary secretary's argument that somehow voting against a bill is bad makes no sense. However, something that was bad was the current government's granting—

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

December 12th, 2023 / noon

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, on a point of order, the member just told Canadians, on the floor of the House of Commons, that the opposition party voted against a bill and that was just—