Hon. Amina Gerba: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Moreau, Canada recently recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a “serious and credible” basis for a political solution. This stance marks a significant shift in Canada’s diplomatic approach to Morocco.
Given that Canada and Morocco were involved in unsuccessful negotiations for a free trade agreement between 2011 and 2013, is the government considering resuming discussions for a free trade agreement with Morocco?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, senator. As you know, Canada and Morocco already have extremely strong bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade, culture, women’s rights, and joint efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism.
In fact, in 2024, Morocco was Canada’s third-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Africa, with trade amounting to $1.8 billion. Today, I can confirm that the government sees Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a basis for a mutually acceptable solution and as a serious and credible initiative in achieving a just and lasting settlement of the conflict, opening the door to renewed bilateral relations and trust between Canada and Morocco.
Senator Gerba: Thank you. The figures you just presented do indeed justify deepening Canada’s engagement with Morocco. However, there’s still no free trade agreement.
Minister Anand also said that she’ll soon be making an official visit to Morocco. What’s the purpose of the visit? Who will be part of the delegation?
Senator Moreau: I cannot confirm who will be part of the delegation. However, I can confirm that Minister Anand wants to strengthen relations between the two countries, while continuing productive discussions on the Western Sahara issue. As you know, international negotiations are the result of highly complex multilateral considerations that I cannot discuss in this chamber, but Minister Anand’s visit is certainly a very positive sign in that regard.