CME concerned with regrettable Boeing v. Bombardier preliminary findings

Toronto, September 27, 2017

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) finds the preliminary findings in the Boeing petition against Bombardier’s C Series aircraft and the ensuing decision from the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose hefty preliminary countervailing duties regrettable.

CME is a strong proponent of free and fair trade and, as part of its NAFTA engagement with the Canadian government, has called for the modernization of the agreement to include a clear and independent process for dispute resolution. CME is concerned that the dispute settlement mechanism currently available to North American businesses could be better aligned with the principles of fairness, efficiency, and impartiality.

The magnitude of this unfortunate dispute highlights the need for NAFTA partners to develop a strong dispute resolution mechanism that is aligned with those guiding principles. It creates significant uncertainty in the market as there are thousands of Canadians employed in the aerospace supply chain whose jobs are now at risk as an unintended consequence.

CME is urging the Canadian, American and Mexican governments to continue to aggressively work towards a modernized deal that includes a clear and independent process for dispute resolution.

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and, compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada’s exports.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stefi Proulx

Director of Communications & Branding

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

(613) 292-6070

stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca