Ontario domestic content investigation
Two complaints – DS412 (Canada-Renewable Energy) and DS426 (Canada-Feed-in Tariff) – were submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2010 and 2011 by Japan and the EU. The two claim Canada's Ontario is breaching international conventions by requiring new solar and wind facilities to be built with 60% and 25% of locally manufactured components, respectively. On October 19, 2012, the WTO ruled that Ontario’s FIT does indeed breach its rules: Ontario has appealed the decision. Japan and the EU have now launched a cross appeal, stating that the program should also be classed as an illegal subsidy.
Below is a list of related news.
Feb. 14, 2013, Japan and EU cross appeal Ontario WTO ruling
The WTO recently ruled that the local content requirement within Ontario's FIT program violates global trade rules. Ontario has already appealed the decision, but now Japan and the EU are counter appealing. Read full story
Dec. 20, 2012, WTO confirms Ontario’s FIT’s breach rules
In a panel report issued on December 19, the WTO confirms that Ontario’s renewable energy FIT, which includes a domestic content requirement, breaches WTO rules. Read full story
Oct. 16, 2012, Ontario FIT program deemed discriminatory
According to the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), which was citing a confidential interim WTO dispute settlement report, a panel has agreed that Ontario’s FIT system violates WTO rules. Read full story
Apr. 13, 2012, Can Ontario require ‘domestic content' for FIT eligibility?
Just how important is “home advantage” to players in the renewable energy sector? It could be a game changer, according to Japan and the European Union, both of which have brought complaints against Canada for violating the rules of fair competition. Read full story
Mar. 30, 2012, WTO hearing: Canada defends its FITs
The Canadian province of Ontario had its say this week in Geneva at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) hearing. Read full story