October 10, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is central to the economic, trade, and investment relationship between Canada and the European Union (EU).

The agreement has promoted and increased diversification in major industrial, services, and investment sectors and across supply chains. That means more opportunity for Canada and Canadian businesses. It has also enhanced Canada-EU collaboration in key areas such as the environment, critical minerals, and regulatory practices.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, welcomes the adoption of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for professional qualifications of architects (MRAA) under CETA, which was signed today in Brussels, Belgium.

Once the Agreement becomes binding, the MRAA will further strengthen Canada-EU commercial ties and benefit the Canadian architecture sector and related activities, such as engineering and construction. It will expand investment, grow our economy, and help create jobs. By making it easier to recognize Canadian and European architects’ professional qualifications, it will also expand access to new business opportunities in both economies.   

This is the first time that a mutual recognition agreement for professional services will become binding under a Canadian free trade agreement.