On Wednesday, May 18 the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Ontario passed a resolution asking the Government of Ontario, “along with the other provincial and territorial governments to negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for local governments from CETA.” The resolution followed a presentation to council from a Northumberland delegation of Trade Justice Network partners, including the Council of Canadians, CUPE, First Nations, United Steelworkers, National Farmers Union and health workers.
The group explained in their presentation how CETA posed enough of a risk to municipal governments that they needn’t be part of the deal. Alnwick/Haldimand joined the Ontario Town of New Tecumseth in passing the CETA resolution, which has been sent by both councils to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for consideration and approval during the AMO annual conference this August 21 in London.
The Northumberland chapter of the Council of Canadians has been integral to the formation of the local Trade Justice Network group, which has been presenting on CETA to area municipalities on an almost weekly basis. “We are concerned about the lack of information sharing on this issue, since it will have implications for municipalities and local municipal governance,” says Council of Canadians chapter activist Elma Parker. “What we want is a discussion of this CETA Trade Agreement.”
