Canada's government has taken several steps forward in the implementation of its new free trade agreement with Ukraine.

Last week, legislation was introduced by the Canadian House of Commons to lay the groundwork for the formal implementation of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a deal that will eliminate essentially all tariffs on goods currently traded between the two countries.

This law will be subject to all required stages of the legislative process, but the Canadian government has pledged its commitment ratifying the relevant measures as soon as possible to ensure its benefits can be brought into effect promptly.

Additionally, a meeting has been held between Canada's minister of labour MaryAnn Mihychuk and the Ukrainian minister of social policy Andriy Reva, during which they discussed plans for expanded collaboration between the countries on jobs and safety, in line with the progressive labor chapter of CUFTA.

This involved developing a workplan on a tripartite project for training to create safer working conditions in Ukraine's extractive sector, working alongside the International Labour Organization.

Chrystia Freeland, Canada's minister of international trade, said: "We are one step closer to being able to reap the benefits of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, which will generate opportunities for Canadians and Ukrainians alike.

"It will boost our economies, spur innovation and strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it."

CUFTA was signed in Kyiv in July 2016 and will immediately eliminate duties on 99.9 per cent of imports to Canada from Ukraine when it comes into force. At the same time, Ukraine will scrap tariffs on approximately 86 per cent of Canadian exports, with the balance of tariff concessions to be implemented over a period of up to seven years.