Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
OTTAWA — The federal government said Monday it expects the Canada-EU free trade agreement to take effect next year after completing a legal review of the deal.
International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said the deal has been modified to allow for a permanent dispute-settlement tribunal and an appeal system, among other measures.
“We have responded to Canadians, EU citizens and businesses with a fairer, more transparent system,” Freeland said in a statement.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the trade deal, known as CETA, which has been in the works for years between Canada and the 28-member European Union. Negotiations began in 2009.
Freeland said she is confident the agreement will be signed this year.
