Canada-China trade ties face domestic opposition

Subject

Prospects for a Canada-China trade agreement.

Significance

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed interest in negotiating a trade agreement with China, and will lead a high-level delegation to China this March to secure opportunities for Canadian business. Increased trade with China could prove a significant boost to sectors of Canada's flagging commodities-driven economy, such as agri-business, finance and aerospace, but the domestic politics of trade in Canada remain controversial.

Impacts

• Canada's oil, lumber and agricultural industries will lobby hard for any potential agreement.
• Political fallout surrounding the Energy East pipeline may hinder the Trudeau government's ability to meet Chinese preconditions elsewhere.
• Canadian criticism of China's human rights record and espionage activities may present complications if trade negotiations are undertaken.