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Canada-China Free Trade Agreements

In September 2012, Canada signed a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with China. FIPAs are Canada’s name for bilateral investment treaties, which are used by large global corporations to challenge public policies or local decisions that stand in the way of their profits. The first Canadian FIPA was a single chapter (Chapter 11) of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Due to the extreme investment protections included in NAFTA, Canada was forced to pay out $160 million to large U.S. corporations that challenged certain public decisions, including environmental policies. Some Canadian mining companies are using FIPAs in their work in developing countries to seek compensation following opposition from communities struggling against the implementation of megaprojects.

Will Modi's visit to Canada include the signing of a Canada-India FIPA?

Will Modi’s visit to Canada include the signing of a Canada-India FIPA?

When Narendra Modi was elected the prime minister of India in May 2014, Stephen Harper stated, "I look forward ...
Harper to visit China with FIPA now ratified

Harper to visit China with FIPA now ratified

Stephen Harper will visit China next week (likely November 5-6) in advance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit ...
Hupacasath First Nation Puts China on Notice Over Canada-China FIPA

Hupacasath First Nation Puts China on Notice Over Canada-China FIPA

The Hupcasasath First Nation, the small nation on Vancouver Island which fought a two-year court battle over the constitutionality ...
FIPA and the right to water in China

FIPA and the right to water in China

The Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) was ratified by the Harper government on Friday. Harper went ahead ...
Harper sneaks through Canada-China FIPA, locks Canada in for 31 years

Harper sneaks through Canada-China FIPA, locks Canada in for 31 years

In the world of official government announcements, a two-paragraph media release sent out in the late afternoon on the Friday ...
Harper government sneaks through Canada-China FIPA despite ongoing court challenge

Harper government sneaks through Canada-China FIPA despite ongoing court challenge

The Harper government today announced it has ratified the controversial Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), despite the ...
Hupacasath challenge of FIPA to be heard tomorrow

Hupacasath challenge of FIPA to be heard tomorrow

Tomorrow (Tuesday June 10), the Federal Court of Appeal in Vancouver will hear arguments regarding the Hupacasath First Nation's legal ...
Appeal of Hupacasath challenge of Canada-China FIPA to be heard June 10

Appeal of Hupacasath challenge of Canada-China FIPA to be heard June 10

The Federal Court of Appeal will hear arguments on June 10 in Vancouver regarding the Hupacasath First Nation's legal challenge ...