Brexit Update: Canadian Trade Agreements

What follows is a message sent to PIJAC Canada from our group at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada regarding Brexit and the transitional period between now and the end of the year.  We will continue to keep you up to date as the transition progresses in the coming months.

Update on Brexit

With the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement ratification completed in both the UK and the EU, the UK will leave the European Union effective January 31, 2020. The Withdrawal Agreement includes a provision for a “transition period” until December 31, 2020. During the transition period, the UK will be treated as a Member State of the EU, though without the ability to participate in EU decision-making. Canada has consented to the UK continuing its participation in the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and all other Canada-EU agreements, during the transition period.

The transition period is due to end on December 31, 2020 but can be extended by mutual consent of the EU and UK. When the transition period ends December 31, 2020 (or beyond, if extended), the UK will no longer be bound by the EU’s treaties, including CETA.

Canadian officials remain engaged with their UK counterparts on possible next steps. Any future trade arrangement between Canada and the U.K. would be influenced by the U.K.-EU trade relationship, as well as any unilateral U.K. approaches.

Do not hesitate to contact us at aafc.tand-dacn.aac@canada.ca should you require additional information at this time.

Thank you.

Trade Agreements and Negotiations Directorate
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
E-mail Address | Adresse courriel: aafc.tand-dacn.aac@canada.ca
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada