Preamble

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, the Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the United States of America have entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement having resolved to

strengthen the special bonds of friendship and cooperation among their nations,

contribute to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade and provide a catalyst to broader international cooperation,

create an expanded and secure market for the goods and services produced in their territories,

reduce distortions to trade,

establish clear and mutually advantageous rules governing their trade,

ensure a predictable commercial framework for business planning and investment,

build on their rights and obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and other multilateral and bilateral instruments of cooperation,

enhance the competitiveness of their firms in global markets,

foster creativity and innovation, and promote trade in goods and services that are the subject of intellectual property rights,

create new employment opportunities and improve working conditions and living standards in their respective territories,

undertake each of the preceding in a manner consistent with environmental protection and conservation,

preserve their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare,

promote sustainable development,

strengthen the development and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, and

protect, enhance and enforce basic workers’ rights;

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has entered into the Agreement having further resolved to

strengthen Canada’s national identity while at the same time protecting vital national characteristics and qualities,

establish effective procedures for the review and resolution of disputes in antidumping and countervailing duty cases involving Canada and other NAFTA countries, and

strengthen the Canadian economy and Canada’s competitiveness as a trading nation;

WHEREAS the Agreement applies generally throughout Canada;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary, in order to give effect to the Agreement, to make related or consequential amendments to certain Acts;