"As Canada has said, this is a progressive deal. If Europe is unable to sign a progressive trade deal with a country like Canada, this will send a clear and unfortunate signal," the spokesperson said.
On Friday, the parliament of the French-speaking Belgian region of Wallonia blocked the ratification of the CETA free-trade agreement, with the region's Prime Minister Paul Magnette stating that he would not give the federal government powers to sign the deal.
The spokesperson added that despite the setback in signing the deal, CETA remained a top priority for Canada.
"We are still working with our partners in Europe to conclude this agreement so [that] CETA can be signed this fall and implemented next year," the spokesperson stressed.
Canada's government, which believes that CETA is an excellent agreement for Canada and the European Union, bringing positive results and opportunities to the European and Canadian citizens, spared much diplomatic efforts on convincing Belgium's Wallonia politicians to accept the deal.
Last weekend, Canada's Trade Parliamentary Secretary David Lametti met in Canada with a delegation of legislators from the Wallonia parliament. Lametti also visited Wallonia to address its parliamentary committee on European affairs and to meet with regional leaders.
CETA aims to establish a free trade zone between Canada and the European Union, though it has been criticized in Europe. Opponents fear it would undermine standards and regulations on environmental protection, health, safety and workers' rights.
