Canada and China not ready for a free trade deal

While Canada and China may reach future agreements on specific issues, such as those already negotiated on tourism or investment, it would be surprising to see a comprehensive free trade agreement any time soon, at least not before 2025, if then. Neither country is ready.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in this file photo in Ottawa. There is another reason to be skeptical about the formal launch of negotiations: Canada has only a limited number of skilled trade negotiators and their priorities for the coming year, and perhaps even into 2019, are to work on the NAFTA negotiations and the revisions to the Trans Pacific Partnership. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY DAVID CRANE

December 11, 2017

TORONTO—As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau departed for his recent visit to China, government officials in a briefing for journalists made it clear that there were no plans to launch free trade talks during the visit.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy