OTTAWA — Canada and Britain are holding informal free trade talks, even though Britain is barred from direct negotiations before it formalizes its Brexit divorce from the European Union. International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Thursday Canada isn't breaking any EU rules by doing that. His comment comes one day after the president of the European Parliament warned Britain against any unilateral action, including trade talks, before it formalizes its departure, after serving written notice this week to negotiate its departure from the 28-country bloc. Champagne said he's met three times with his British counterpart, Liam Fox, while their officials are also talking because continuing a trading relationship is in the best interest of both countries.

Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks to reporters on Jan. 23. (Photo: Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press) "We are working, respecting established rules, pursuant to EU law as well, but we are having informal talks with our British partners," the minister told the Senate trade committee on Thursday. "Although they cannot negotiate formally, there's been discussions between our officials and I met Dr. Fox just recently at the Commonwealth meeting of trade ministers in London to make sure that something which is going well should continue," Champagne explained. "We want to offer predictability, stability." Champagne's comments echo what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this week - that Canada will continue to look for ways to deepen economic ties with Britain after it leaves the EU. "We want to offer predictability, stability." Britain is Canada's largest trading partner in Europe, with London serving as a major gateway to the continent. Canada and Britain will become free trade partners in the coming months anyway when Canada ratifies the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU, because Britain remains a party to all EU treaties before its Brexit is finalized. Champagne said Britain has not wavered in its support of CETA. The minister said almost all of the deal will come into force later this spring after Canada ratifies it. But all of that is in flux after British Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered Article 50 of the EU's founding treaty, which officially serves notice of her country's intent to leave the bloc.