The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announces that Canada agreed to commence operation of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU) on September 21, 2017. The commencement of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) had been delayed by disputes on some issues including pharmaceuticals. The EU also had some concerns about the opening up of the Canadian market to imports of European cheese.
Both sides have now agreed to begin the interim application of the agreement, thus allowing for all the necessary implementing measures to be taken before September 21, 2017. The agreement will enter into force after all 28 EU member states and parliaments have ratified it.
