NDP CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY ON CETA NEGOTIATIONS
It’s time for the Yukon Party government to disclose to the Yukon public what’s on the table at
trade negotiations with the European Union, says NDP Leader Liz Hanson.
“It’s time to lift the veil of secrecy and share Yukon’s position with the public”, says Hanson. “During the week of June 20, subnational governments will be offering up the policies and services they plan to sacrifice at the trade table. The clock is ticking.”
Recently, B.C. Premier Christy Clark took the unprecedented step of promising there would be
public consultation regarding the Province’s position on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade
Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union.
“Darrell Pasloski has said he’ll be more open than his predecessor. I challenge him to follow
Premier Clark’s lead and be open and transparent about the CETA negotiations,” says Hanson.
Critics of CETA has expressed concerns that procurement, hiring, and contracting by
municipalities are being negotiated away by Canada in exchange for Canadian pork, beef, and
grain producers access to European markets.
Last year, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities passed a resolution calling on the
Government of Canada to prevent the European Union access to municipal and subnational
procurement. They’ve also called on their provincial government to negotiate a clear and
permanent exemption for local governments from CETA.
The NDP caucus has raised questions about CETA in the Legislative Assembly on several
occasions – and even got a commitment from the government to be open. On November 27,
2010, Minister Lang said: “I’m sure that, as we get further into {CETA negotiations}, there will be
questions asked and we’ll answer those questions when they’re asked.”
The time is now for this government to answer our questions: what’s on the table, and do
Yukoners have a say in the matter?
Trade policy discussion has been typified by secrecy with the public’s participation limited largely
to protest. An NDP government would consult with the public, be open about any trade
negotiations and engage all stakeholders – not just the corporate sector – in the debate.