Canadians deserve better than Harper’s secret trade deal with China

Ottawa – April 24, 2013 – UFCW Canada members across the country are joining the growing number of Canadians who are very concerned about the Conservative government’s secret deal with China, in the form of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).

Critics of the FIPA say the deal has been negotiated behind closed doors, is poorly worded, and provides few benefits for Canada. Gus Van Harten, an international investment law expert, states that Canadians will come out of the deal "on the losing side."

MPs voted on an NDP-sponsored motion on April 22, 2013 to stop FIPA, but the Liberals sided with Government Boss Harper’s Conservatives to defeat the motion and charge ahead with FIPA.

UFCW Canada members and their families are well aware that the so-called "benefits" of free trade agreements have not been achieved here. This is why NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said “the NDP will continue to speak out against any trade deal that is unfair, negotiated in secret, and contains grave conditions relating to labour standards, human rights, and the environment.” 

UFCW Canada members need an agreement that is consistent with the best interests of our country and allows Canadians to maintain long-term control over our natural resources.