Canadian Section
Mission Statement
The Secretariat has one primary objective: to maintain a high level of impartial and independent service in the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the Agreement, pursuant to Article 30.6, in order to help preserve the benefits of free trade for all stakeholders.
Mandate
Article 30.6.3 of the Agreement establishes the Secretariat comprising the Canadian Section, the Mexican Section and the United States Section. The mandate of the Secretariat is set out in Article 30.6.3 of the Agreement and reads:
The Secretariat shall:
- provide assistance to the Commission;
- provide administrative assistance to:
- panels and committees established under Section D of Chapter 10 (Review and Dispute Settlement in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Matters), and
- panels established under Chapter 31 (Dispute Settlement), including under Annex 31-A (United States-Mexico Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism) and Annex 31-B (Canada-Mexico Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism);
- be responsible for the payment of remuneration to and expenses of panels and committees established under Section D of Chapter 10 (Review and Dispute Settlement in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Matters) and panelists, assistants, and experts involved in dispute settlement proceedings under Chapter 31 (Dispute Settlement), including under Annex 31-A (United-States-Mexico Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism) and Annex 31-B (Canada-Mexico Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism); and
- as the Commission may direct:
- support the work of other committees and groups established under this Agreement, and
- otherwise facilitate the operation of this Agreement.
Please visit The United States Trade Agreements Secretariat (TAS) for information on the U.S. Section's mandate beyond the Agreement.
In the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of these agreements, the United States Section of the Secretariat provides professional and advisory support to panels and committees, acts as registrar for dispute settlement panels, coordinates all panel proceedings, and manages all financial aspects of the process.
Guiding Principles
Commitment to an Unbiased and Equitable Administrative Process
The Secretariat, Canadian Section, is committed to administering the dispute settlement provisions of the relevant Free Trade Agreements and other Bilateral Agreements as directed by the Parties in a manner which ensures unbiased administrative processes, equity, security and fairness.
Commitment to Service Quality
The Secretariat, Canadian Section, is committed to maintaining the highest quality of administration to all dispute settlement proceedings and to investing in technologies that will sustain future operations.
Support to Stakeholders
The Secretariat, Canadian Section, is committed to supporting and providing services to its stakeholders in dispute resolution in a manner that is impartial, responsive, accessible and timely.
Openness and Accountability
The Secretariat, Canadian Section, is committed to the promotion of a corporate culture implementing transparent management processes and accountability, both to the Free Trade Commission and to the public.
Operational Efficiency
The Secretariat, Canadian Section, is committed to pursuing alternative service delivery to enhance information access and sharing and to improve operating practices.
Continuous Learning
The Secretariat, Canadian Section is committed to having in place professional and motivated employees and to the advancement of their careers through continuous learning.
Contact Us
Canadian Section (TCT)
111 Sussex Drive, 4th Floor
Ottawa, ON Canada
K1A 0G2
Telephone No.: 613-878-2350
E-mail: canada@can-mex-usa-sec.org
Business hours
Business hours
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
Legal holidays
Legal holidays
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Good Friday | March 29 |
| Easter Monday | April 1 |
| Victoria Day | May 20 |
| Canada Day | July 1 |
| Civic Holiday | August 5 |
| Labour Day | September 2 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 14 |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
Personnel
| Jennifer Hopkins | Secretary |
| Sarah Hawley | Deputy Secretary |
| Chadi Awad | Registrar |
| Viktoriya Jackson | Deputy Registrar |
Other National Sections
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