NDP urge Conservatives to rethink problematic trade deal with China

OTTAWA – Following new reports the government still hasn’t ratified their controversial Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with China, New Democrats are urging the Conservatives to reconsider this deal.

“New Democrats have been vocal from the outset about our concern that the Conservatives were pushing an agreement that is not in Canadians’ best interests,” said NDP International Trade critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway). “The fact that they still haven’t ratified it nine months later indicates that they’re also uncertain about it. We urge them to step back, reassess this deal and re-negotiate the flawed provisions.”

The NDP reiterated its support for increased trade with China and other emerging economies – but cautioned that these deals must advance Canadian interests. The FIPA was negotiated in secret and rushed through Parliament without any debate, study or even a vote by MPs.

A key concern with the Canada-China FIPA is around rights it would extend to the Chinese government to expand its control over Canadian oil resources, as well as how it offers significant business advantages to Chinese companies without creating similar benefits for Canadians doing business in China.

“With this nine month delay in ratifying this agreement, Conservatives are confusing investors, hurting the economy and making it obvious that even they now recognize this is a badly negotiated deal,” said NDP deputy International Trade critic Guy Caron (Rimouski-Neigette–Témiscouata–Les Basques). “It’s time for them to admit their mistake.”