Canadian Civil Society Groups Urge Mark Carney to Reset Canada-Ecuador Trade Deal
On June 6, 2025, 29 Canadian civil society organizations, coalitions, and unions, including the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Social Justice Fund and Common Frontiers, sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for a reset of the Canada-Ecuador trade deal. The groups urged the government to ensure the agreement aligns with its commitments to human rights and environmental protection.
The letter, issued by Common Frontiers, expressed deep concerns that the agreement, negotiated under the previous Trudeau administration, promotes increased Canadian mining investment in Ecuador and risks undermining Indigenous rights and environmental safeguards in the Andean nation. Organizations warned that implementing the deal as currently structured could exacerbate social and ecological harms, particularly in regions already affected by extractive industries.
The coalition described the agreement as a “highly problematic, last-generation free trade agreement” and urged the government not to move forward with implementation without significant revisions to address these concerns.
Background on the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement
The Canada-Ecuador trade deal was negotiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and has been criticized by various civil society groups for its potential to expand Canadian mining operations in Ecuador without sufficient protections for local communities and ecosystems. Critics argue that the agreement prioritizes corporate investment over environmental and human rights standards.
In their letter to Prime Minister Carney, the signatory organizations emphasized that any trade agreement must uphold Canada’s international obligations regarding Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and corporate accountability.
Calls for a Human Rights-Centered Trade Policy
The groups called on the Canadian government to reset the trade deal to ensure it reflects the Liberal government’s stated priorities of protecting human rights and the environment. They urged Carney to function with international partners to promote trade policies that support equitable development rather than exacerbate inequality and environmental degradation.
The letter is part of a broader effort by Canadian civil society to challenge elements of the latest Liberal government’s agenda, including its support for fossil fuel projects and public service cuts, which progressive groups say contradict promises of a just and sustainable transition.
About the Organizations Involved
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is one of Canada’s largest labor unions, representing federal government employees. Its Social Justice Fund supports initiatives focused on human rights, equity, and international solidarity. Common Frontiers is a Canadian coalition that advocates for fair trade, global justice, and sustainable development, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Together, these organizations have been active in monitoring trade agreements and advocating for policies that prioritize people and the planet over corporate profits.
Conclusion
The June 6, 2025 letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney reflects growing concern among Canadian civil society that trade agreements must be evaluated not only for their economic impact but also for their social and environmental consequences. As the government reviews the Canada-Ecuador deal, the call for a reset underscores the demand for trade policies that are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with Canada’s global commitments to justice and sustainability.