The Globe and Mail reports, “The European Union had sharp words for Canada today as the two sides struggle to complete a trade deal, saying through a spokesman that it’s been waiting for four months to hear the Canadian government say it’s ready to make the compromises necessary for an agreement. The EU’s statements set off a war of words with Canada over which side has worked harder to strike an accord. …An EU trade spokesman John Clancy said Tuesday the European side has indicated it’s ready to deal. He suggested the same could not be said of Canada. …The verbal jab prompted a quick response from Canada to counter the EU criticism (suggesting) Canada’s still waiting for the European Union to reciprocate (on its robust offers).”
This follows a media report this morning in which, “Sources familiar with the talks say in more than one instance Canadians felt they’d locked down agreement with the Europeans on a topic, only to see that consensus unravel because directorates in the EU bureaucracy hadn’t signed off on the terms.”
It also follows a CBC report which highlights, “The negotiations have been dragging on for years. CETA was supposed to be done in 2011, then 2012, and now mid-way through 2013 it is yet to be signed.”
In a media release issued by the Council of Canadians this morning, we state: “Leaked texts over the past two years suggest provincial governments, Crown corporations and municipalities will lose the right to apply local preferences on public spending (’buy local’ conditions). CETA will also include an investor ‘rights’ chapter modeled on NAFTA, which continues to attract a growing number of punishing corporate lawsuits against environmental and resource conservation measures in Canada… Canada is also under enormous pressure from the EU and multinational brand name pharmaceutical companies in Canada to agree to extend patent terms and other monopoly protections, which will inevitably increase the cost of pharmaceuticals for patients and the provinces by keeping cheaper generic competition off the shelves for longer.”
Our statement also notes, “Should the Prime Minister conclude Canada-EU negotiations this week, month or even this year, the Council of Canadians is calling on the government to give the public and Parliament an opportunity to see, revise and even reject the deal if it’s not found to be in our best interests. This democratic step would be unprecedented but necessary given the enormous scope of the proposed agreement, and its potential to radically restrict democratic and policy space for the provinces and local communities.”
For more, please read:
Canada-EU Deal: Setback for Harper on CETA, sigh of relief for Canada
NEWS: CETA talks hit further obstacles this week
AUDIO: Trade campaigner Stuart Trew on CBC Radio’s The Current
NEWS: Trew says Harper giving away too much to get CETA signed
