In addition to trade relations, with joint Commonwealth membership, the Canada-Caribbean relationship has developed into a complex variety of ties in many other areas and has been enhanced over the years through a number of agreements and initiatives. The first formal trade agreement between Canada and the region dates back to the 1912 Trade Treaty, which allowed trade in goods between Canada and the British West Indies (with the exception of Jamaica) at preferential tariff rates. In 1966, the two parties agreed to establish the Canada-CARICOM Summit,Note 7 and in 1979, Canada and CARICOM signed the Canada-CARICOM Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement. Under the latter agreement, Canada has provided financial support to regional programs and projects that have contributed to the economic and social development of the region. In parallel with the negotiations on a free trade agreement with CARICOM, a separate but parallel environmental agreement is being sought. This agreement is consistent with the focus on strengthening national environmental management systems found in existing sub-agreements to which Canada has acceded (including NAFTA, Chile and Costa Rica). It is envisaged that this agreement will contain commitments to a high level of environmental protection and the effective application of national environmental legislation, including through cooperative measures. The framework provides a process and methodology for conducting an environmental assessment of a trade negotiation. It is intentionally flexible so that it can be applied to different types of negotiations (e.g. B multilateral, bilateral, regional) while ensuring a systematic and coherent approach to achieving two main objectives.

This chapter will aim to facilitate the temporary free movement of businessmen in support of bilateral trade in goods, services and investments by negotiating a more liberal approach, removing regulatory requirements for labour market analysis, etc. This chapter does not affect how Canadian environmental regulations are developed or implemented, or how environmental objectives are set. As a result of this chapter, no environmental impact is to be expected. Public support for trade liberalization in Canada is linked to the expectation that the environment will be protected. Canada strives to achieve trade and environmental objectives that support each other with its trading partners. Canada`s overall environmental objective in negotiating trade agreements is to preserve Canada`s ability to protect the environment. Where global and transboundary impacts have a direct impact on Canada`s environment, economy and health due to increased economic activity, Canada will seek to work with its trading partners to strengthen their national environmental management systems. Canada wants a free trade agreement that replaces the current CARIBCAN agreement when it expires in 2011. Canada`s policy is that bilateral free trade agreements not only provide for reciprocal free trade in goods, but also cover “customs procedures, trade facilitation, non-tariff barriers, cross-border trade in services, temporary entry, investment, government procurement, dispute settlement and institutional arrangements” (Government of Canada, Canada-CARICOM Free Trade Agreement, www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/caricom.aspx).

These will represent another level of legally binding commitments with regard to national and regional policies, in addition to what has been agreed with the EU under the EPA. The purpose of this Chapter is to allow each Party to take emergency measures under the Agreement in certain circumstances (e.g. B where imports have increased in such quantities as to constitute a significant cause of material injury or threat to Canada or other Contracting Parties). As a result of this chapter, no significant changes in production or consumption are to be expected. As a result of this chapter, no environmental impact is to be expected. This chapter does not affect how Canadian environmental regulations are developed or implemented, or how environmental objectives are set. This first environmental assessment was conducted as part of Canada`s commitment to a mutually supportive relationship between trade and the environment. The objective is to assist Canadian negotiators in integrating environmental considerations into the negotiation process by providing information on the potential environmental impact of proposed trade agreements on Canada, and to address any public concern by documenting how environmental factors are considered during trade negotiations. The environmental assessment process also includes consultations with provincial and territorial governments, as well as stakeholders, including representatives of business, academia, non-governmental organizations and the public. As part of the preparations for the first EA, a Memorandum of Understanding will be issued inviting the public to share their thoughts on the potential impact of the proposed agreement on the Canadian environment. At the end of each phase, EA reports are shared with provinces and territories and environmental experts and published publicly with requests for feedback.

As far as services are concerned, trade in services is unlikely to increase significantly as a result of these negotiations. Therefore, any increase is expected to have only a limited impact on the environment. The volume of trade in goods between CARICOM countries and Canada is actually quite low. CARICOM has a surplus with Canada, exporting approximately $944.61 million in 2019 and importing $768.31 million. During a visit to Barbados on the 19th. In July 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in collaboration with the Heads of State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), announced the opening of free trade negotiations between Canada and CARICOM. . .

.