FIPA is an acronym that stands for Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada currently has 24 FIPAs with different partner countries, although this acronym is frequently used in the media to refer specifically to the Canada-China investment treaty.  Distinct from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), FIPAs are bilateral agreements made by the Government of Canada to encourage foreign investment through a framework of legally-binding obligations and rights. Not all FIPAs are made equal – many of these treaties weaken accountablity on human rights violations and environmental action.

A full list of FIPAs currently in effect or being negotiated can be found here.

The Council of Canadians has voiced concerns surrounding the Canada-China FIPA.  Details of this campaign can be found here.