Press Releases 

Liberal Government Trade Policy Clear; Clearly All Over the Map

Back to Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2022

Liberal Government Trade Policy Clear; Clearly All Over the Map

OTTAWA – On Friday the Liberal Government told Canadian businesses where their trade priorities lie by lifting economic sanctions on Iran. The Minister of International Trade, Chrystia Freeland went so far as to say, “With these amendments to Canadian sanctions against Iran, Canadian companies will now be able to position themselves for new trade opportunities.”

“Not only did the Liberal government inherit a budget surplus but also immense market opportunities in concluded free trade agreements with the Ukraine, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the historic Canada–European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA),” said International Trade Critic, Gerry Ritz.

The same week that Minister Freeland signed the TPP, along with our largest trading partner the US and five commonwealth allies, she inserted uncertainty by reminding businesses that signing isn’t ratifying, yet when signing to lift sanctions on Iran her message was crystal clear.

“Whether it’s deciding to lift sanctions on Iran over lifting tariffs for Canadian exports destined to TPP countries, or choosing to re-engage and cozy up with Putin’s Russia before tabling legislation to ratify free trade with the Ukraine – this government’s incoherent trade policy is hurting Canadian businesses and ensuring that capital investments look elsewhere,” said Ritz.

The recipe for a successful business includes predictability; the government could provide that ingredient by signaling their intention to ratify free trade agreements like the TPP. Uncertainty in the face of free trade, the Liberals offer reluctance instead of leadership.

-30-