Canadians have mixed feelings about free trade with nation: Report

Canadians see both opportunities and challenges associated with a possible Canada-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to the results of public consultations by the Canadian government.

Canadians recognize the significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and consumers offered by the Chinese market, and the importance of China for the future of the global economy, according to a summary of the consultations.

"Whether in supplying China's appetite for high-quality agricultural products and natural resources, making inroads into its massive government procurement market, or leveraging China as a source of, and destination for, foreign direct investment, many Canadians told us that they see real opportunities in deepening Canada's trade relationship with the world's second largest economy," said the report.