Ramsey demands an end to TPP secrecy

Following a bilateral meeting at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, the United States President exposed the Prime Minister’s true intentions to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Today’s revelations fly in the face of Liberal campaign promises of open and public consultations.

“New Democrats have long been concerned by the secrecy shrouding the negotiations of this trade deal,” said NDP Trade critic Tracey Ramsey (Essex). “It’s disquieting that the new Prime Minister, who promised change and more transparency, is making substantial policy decisions without consultation and behind closed doors.”

Analysis of details of the full text confirms that Canada got a worse deal on protections for our auto sector than the United States - putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. The TPP also makes it easier for foreign companies to take over Canadian businesses and slams the door on lower drug prices into the future.

“I can’t understand why the Prime Minister is promising to ratify a trade deal negotiated in secret by the Conservatives regardless of the outcome of any future public hearings,” added Ramsey. “The TPP is a bad deal that will kill good-paying jobs. Only New Democrats will stand up to defend those jobs ensure Canadian interests and values are protected.”