Canada FTAs

Resource list | 20 October 2009


Canada has also signed FTAs which include a labour component. These agreements establish a number of principles, objectives, institutions and initiatives aimed at avoiding social dumping and advancing fundamental labour principles and workers rights. In addition to recognizing the fundamental labour rights, some of Canada’s FTAs such as the Canada-Chile agreement on Labour Cooperation, include a number of protection provisions regarding employment conditions and rules on employment promotion as well as the protection of migrant workers.

A. Full text access to Canada’s FTAs
B. Canada’s FTAs labour rights and social provisions

C. General information regarding Canada’s FTAs and their labour rights provisions



A. Full text access to Canada’s FTAs


By clicking on the web link below, you will be able to consult the Canadian Government specific internet site dealing with all free trade agreements that Canada has signed and adopted, as well as full FTAs text access and specific access regarding their implementation and other labour issues:
Canadian Government website on FTAs


B. Canada’s FTAs labour rights and social provisions


NAFTA/NAALC (January 1, 1994)

Canada/Chile (entered into force on July 5, 1997)

Canada/Israel (entered into force on January 1, 1997)

Canada/Costa Rica (entered into force on September 20, 2002)

Canada/Colombia (signed on November 21, 2008, pending ratification)

Canada’s free trade agreement with Colombia has a parallel Labor Cooperation Agreement (LCA), which includes enforcement obligations and associated penalties. Canada is offering its resources and expertise to help Colombia fully implements this agreement, and will roll-out a technical cooperation program over the next several months. Projects will focus on enforcement of labor rights, social dialogue, occupational safety and health, and modernization of labor inspection systems.

Canada/Jordan (signed on June 28, 2009)

Canada/Peru (entered into force on August 1, 2009)

Canada/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (entered into force on July 1, 2009)

C. General information regarding Canada’s FTAs and their labour rights provisions