The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union (EU) and Canada came into force on the 1^st of July 2017. The effect of CETA’s commencement is quite stark as it has effectively abolished 98% of the tariffs on trade between the EU and Canada.

The commencement of CETA has a number of advantages for Geoscience Ireland’s companies as it opens up a new market for Irish consulting environmental, geotechnical and civil engineering firms to service. In addition, it also creates opportunities for drillers and building materials providers as the Canadian market for such services is substantial.

In terms of quantifying the market potential of the Canadian market, research by GI Market Advisors Elizabeth Murphy and Stephen Walsh has indicated the scope of the opportunity open to GI’s member companies. The research indicates that;

• Between 2009 and 2017, Canadian public procurement acquired geotechnical services worth nearly $18 million dollars in 313 separate contracts.
• In 2017 to date, the various federal organisations have procured nearly $4 million worth of geotechnical services, in 14 separate procurement calls.
• Public Works and Government Services Canada Department of the Canadian government is the largest procurer of geotechnical services in the sample of notices studied.
• The largest individual contract awards in recent years for geotechnical services procured in Canada are set out below;
  • 2013: $1,635,680 (Public Works and Government Services Canada)
  • 2013: $1,138,850 (Transport Canada)
  • 2012: $1,540,190 (Transport Canada)

The sample above does not include information relating to regional and local government contracts in Canada. With the entry into force of CETA’s provisions, however, these markets are now open to Irish consulting engineering firms to explore.

For further information please contact Stephen.Walsh@DCCAE.gov.ie or Elizabeth.Murphy@DCCAE.gov.ie.