April 30, 2012 |
Harper's strategy seems to be to blind us with numbers that just don't add up, then leave the stage without truly debating uncomfortable challenges to his free-trade ideology.
Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
CETA is about ownership and control not efficiency and competitiveness
In the Throne Speech in June, the Harper Conservatives presented Canadians with their priorities for the coming year. High on their list is the securing of an economic partnership with the European Union, the CETA (comprehensive economic and trade agreement). Negotiations between Canada and the EU began in the summer of 2007 and are set to conclude in 2012.
The agreement is about a good deal more than tariffs and the cross-border flow of goods. CETA will involve such broad matters as investment, government procurement, energy, telecommunications, the environment and intellectual property. The purpose of the agreement, according to its crafters, is to enhance national competitiveness and prosperity.
What CETA would mean for Canada's auto industry
Canadian free trade negotiators are going all-out to get a deal with the EU on a new free trade agreement. The Harper government wants a deal badly for largely symbolic and ideological purposes, to show that the free trade agenda is back on track under this "stable majority government." Many valid concerns have been raised about the implications of a deal on pharmaceutical costs, on public procurement, and more. What would a Canada-EU deal mean for the auto industry? Here are a few summary points:
- Canada's auto industry would be especially hard hit by a free trade deal with Europe.
- Europe sells billions of dollars of auto products in Canada, but buys virtually nothing back from the Canadian auto industry.
October 19, 2011 |
We're told that the proposed free trade deal with the EU will be good for us, those of us who make up the 99%. That’s as true as the argument that rising incomes for the wealthy will help the economy.
October 17, 2011 |
Arrival of trojan horse on Parliament highlights hidden implications of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) being pursued by the Harper government despite major public concerns.
July 22, 2011 |
Canada's municipalities deserve a say in the CETA negotiations. Several municipalities, school boards and municipal associations have raised concerns about CETA’s procurement chapter. Take action!