International trade rules allow Canada to temporarily restrict imports to allow Canadian producers to adapt. These temporary measures are called safeguards.
We have the authority to inquire into
- safeguard complaints from Canadian producers;
- safeguard references from the Government of Canada.
Complaints from Canadian producers can cover
- imports from all countries (global safeguards);
- imports from countries with which Canada has signed a free trade agreement (bilateral safeguards).
When directed by the Government, we can also recommend appropriate remedies to offset the harmful effects of import surges.