June 8, 2017
A joint-effort of the governments of Canada and Northwest Territories saw businesses, stakeholders, and interest groups treated to a day of education and consultation on important trade issues.
Trade Day was held June 1 from 9am-3pm in Yellowknife, with officials from the GNWT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) and Global Affairs Canada on-hand to present and consult.
The day began with a briefing on the newly-negotiated Canada Free Trade Agreement — the rules governing trade amongst the 10 provinces and three territories — for NWT businesses and stakeholders led by ITI’s Business Support, Trade and Economic Analysis division. The talk outlined details of the upcoming implementation of the agreement and what it means for NWT business.
The morning session was rounded out by a video conference on the benefits of the Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for NWT business. The session was led by Global Affairs Canada’s CETA division.
Alexandrea Malakoe, Business and Trade Officer for ITI, leads a presentation on the CFTA
The afternoon was taken up by roundtable discussions with NWT business stakeholders on a potential Free Trade Agreement with China. Participants included interest groups, business-owners, and members of NWT chambers of commerce. The effort was part of the early consultative phase as the Government of Canada considers their options on this project.
Teleconferencing and participant resources were offered to stakeholders across the territory to ensure community stakeholders had the opportunity to participate.
While the GNWT does not lead international trade negotiations, it does ensure the best interests of NWT residents and businesses are brought to the table as these matters are considered federally.
This collaborative briefing and consultation session is part of the GNWT’s commitment to support economic development and do more to bring citizens into the decision-making process.