A Step Towards Canadian Ratification Of "NAFTA 2.1"

Bill C-4, entitled An Act to implement the Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States was tabled in the Parliament of Canada on January 29, 2020.  The bill introduces some amendments to Canadian law required for compliance with the recently renegotiated Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States, most commonly referred to in the press as the "USMCA."  

Bill C-4 does not address all of the changes required under the USMCA, and is merely the first step in a process of legislative changes expected to roll out over the next few years.

If ratified, the USMCA will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and require a number of changes to Canada's IP laws, including the following three changes of particular significance: