European Parliament’s trade committee endorses Canada’s free trade deal

A planned EU-Canada free trade deal moved closer to reality on Tuesday after a key committee advised the European Parliament to give its backing after months of protests and heated debate.

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is seen as a test of Europe’s ability to forge future trade accords and as a counterweight to anticipated protectionism under new U.S. President Donald Trump.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters at the cabinet retreat in Calgary that this was “an important moment for Canada.”

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“It’s more than just a free trade treaty with Canada. It’s a statement about how we relate with the rest of the world,” said Sorin Moisa, CETA co-ordinator for the centre-left Socialists and Democrats Group, whose members have been divided over the pact. Read more…