WT/L/1042  
 
8 November 2018  
(18-7010) Page: 1/2 
  Original: English/French  
 
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE OTTAWA MINISTERI AL ON WTO REFORM  
COMMUNICATION FROM CANADA  
The following communication, dated 7 November 2018, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Canada.  
 
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We, Ministers and Heads of Delegation representing a group of like -minded World Trade Organization 
(WTO) M embers1, met in Ottawa, 24-25 October, chaired by the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada 's 
Minister of International Trade Diversification, to discuss ways t o strengthen and modernize the 
WTO.  
 
We reaffirm our clear and strong support for the rules -based multilateral trading system and stress 
the indispensable role that the WTO plays in facilitating and safeguarding trade. That system marked 
the beginning of a n unparalleled chapter in global prosperity, growth, and job creation around the 
world, though the benefits from trade have not always been evenly distributed. We are deeply 
concerned by recent developments in international trade, particularly the rise in protectionism, which 
negatively affect the WTO and put s the entire multilateral trading system at risk. We note growing 
trade tensions are linked to major shifts in the global trading landscape. We also note the difficulties 
to achieve outcomes under the n egotiating pillar. We share a common resolve for rapid and 
concerted action to address these unprecedented challenges and to restore confidence. In this 
regard, we have identified three areas requiring urgent consideration.  
 
First, we underscore the disput e settlement system as a central pillar of the WTO. An effective 
dispute settlement system preserves the rights and obligations of WTO M embers, and ensures that 
the rules are enforceable. Such a system is also essential in building confidence amongst M embe rs 
in the negotiating pillar. We are deeply concerned that continued vacancies in the Appellate Body 
present a risk to the WTO system as a whole. We therefore emphasize the urgent need to unblock 
the appointment of Appellate Body members. We acknowledge th at concerns have been raised about 
the functioning of the dispute settlement system and are ready to work on solutions, while preserving 
the essential features of the system and of its Appellate Body. For this purpose, our officials will 
continue to engage  in discussions to advance ideas to safeguard and strengthen the dispute 
settlement system.  
 
Second, we must reinvigorate the negotiating function of the WTO. We need to conclude negotiations 
on fisheries subsidies in 2019 consistent with instructions from  WTO Ministers at MC11. Its rules 
must also be updated to reflect 21st century realities, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. 
Addressing modern economic and trade issues, and tackling pending and unfinished business is key 
to ensuring the relevance of the WTO. This may require flexible and open negotiating approaches 
toward multilateral outcomes. We welcome in this regard the work that is being undertaken through 
the Joint Statement Initiatives from MC11. We recognize the need to address market disto rtions 
caused by subsidies and other instruments.  
 
                                                
1 Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, European Union, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, 
Singapore and Switzerland.  WT/L/1042  
 
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  Development must remain an integral part of our work. We need to explore how the development 
dimension, including special and differential treatment, can be best pursued in rule -making efforts. 
Our officia ls will examine and develop concrete options for engagement to reinvigorate the 
negotiating function.  
 
Third, we should strengthen the monitoring and transparency of M embers ' trade policies which play 
a central role in ensuring WTO M embers understand the p olicy actions taken by their partners in a 
timely manner. We are concerned with the overa ll record of compliance by WTO M embers with their 
notification obligations and we agree that improvements are required to ensure effective 
transparency and functioning  of the relevant agreements. Specific improvements in this area can be 
achieved in the near term. Our officials will engage on concrete ideas put forward in this area.  
 
We seek a fully operational WTO that benefits all. Our objectives outlined above will o nly be reached 
through sustained and meaningful political engagement and  through dialogue with all WTO M embers. 
In this regard, we note with appreciation other ongoing efforts b y WTO Members or groups of WTO 
Members, in particular recent proposals by parti cipants in this group on dispute settlement, as well 
as transparency and notifications. We affirm our intention to work constructively and collaboratively 
on these and other proposals.  
 
The current situation at the WTO is no longer sustainable. Our resolve  for change must be matched 
with action: we will continue to fight protectionism; and we are committed politically to moving 
forward urgently on transparency, dispute settlement and developing 21st century trade rules at the 
WTO. We look forward to reviewi ng our progress when we meet again in January 2019.  
 
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