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Press Releases: Re-negotiate NAFTA or exit dealPosted on Thursday, September 15 @ 06:48:20 CDT by capebretoner
Green Party Release:
The Green Party of Canada has consistently called for withdrawal from NAFTA if the multilateral agreement cannot be successfully renegotiated to protect Canada's sovereign right to protect our industries, workers and environment.
(Montreal, September 11, 2005) - Prime Minister Paul Martin should serve the six-month notice required to withdraw from NAFTA to show Canada is serious about re-negotiating a fair trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, said Green Party of Canada leader Jim Harris today.
Harris' comments follow the decision by U.S. officials to ignore a NAFTA ruling last month that went in Canada's favour over the longstanding softwood lumber dispute. The U.S. is also appealing an unfavourable WTO ruling.
"Our forestry industry has already lost more than $5 billion in tariffs on softwood lumber thanks to the Liberal government's inaction for nearly three years, since the WTO first ruled the duties were illegal in 2002."
The Green Party of Canada has consistently called for withdrawal from NAFTA if the multilateral agreement cannot be successfully renegotiated to protect Canada's sovereign right to protect our industries, workers and environment.
"The minimum goals in any re-negotiation should be a binding dispute mechanism among countries, the termination of Chapter 11 and the exclusion of this investor-state dispute mechanism from any future trade agreement," said Harris.
Increasing trade disputes with the U.S. over wheat, steel, and lumber, as well as the increasing threat to our sovereignty over water, oil, education, health care services and culture should serve as a warning to Canadians.
"Canada's membership in international trade agreements must reflect a commitment to binding and enforceable international rules that are set in place to protect human rights, core labour standards, cultural diversity, and the environment."
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