The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today released new ministerial mandate letters that reflect recent changes to the Ministry, guide the direction of the Government of Canada’s ministerial team, and highlight the Government’s commitment to continue delivering economic growth and creating good, middle class jobs for Canadians.
The two letters of most interest to our community are:
International Trade Diversification mandate includes, among other priorities:
- Lead the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the swift ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),
- Implement, expand and diversify Canada’s Free Trade Agreements globally.
The new Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction mandate includes, among other priorities:
- Support the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on the passage of Bill C-71, and work together on additional policy, regulations or legislation that could reduce crime involving the use of firearms and keep Canadians safe. You should lead an examination of a full ban on handguns and assault weapons in Canada, while not impeding the lawful use of firearms by Canadians.
- Lead work across the government to reduce the smuggling of opioids across our borders, and work in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as the United States per the Joint Prime Minister – President Statement of February 2017.
- Working with the Ministers of Transport, Foreign Affairs and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, seek additional opportunities to expand pre-clearance operations for travelers to the United States.