NDP statement on a potential TPP deal

NDP International Trade Critic, Tracey Ramsey, made the following statement:

“New Democrats have long been concerned by the secrecy surrounding the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations. Yet, despite promises to be transparent on trade deals, the Liberal government continues to give Canadians vague updates and mixed messages.

Today, reports by international media revealed that the countries involved in TPP trade talks are ready to sign a deal as early as March, without any details on the deal from this government.

The International Trade Committee held dozens of sessions, heard more than 400 witnesses and received written comments from more than 60,000 Canadians. 95% of these Canadians were against the TPP. Only 2 out of 18,000 Canadians submitted written comments in support of the TPP to Global Affairs.

Experts have pointed out that Canada would lose 58,000 jobs due to TPP concessions that could severely impair our automobile industry and our supply management system. This is in addition to troubling provisions on foreign control of Canadian businesses, the rights to privacy and intellectual property, and inadequate protection of labour and environmental standards.

The Liberals are rushing to sign this deal, in hopes of revamping their trade image and seem ready to compromise on important issues for Canadians and their progressive standards to get there. Canadians deserve clear and definitive answers on what is included in this deal, a government that respects their will, and a government that does not negotiate trade deals behind closed doors.”