WORTHY DISCUSSION

The editorial, Error to exempt city from CETA (SP, Jan. 25), and Mayor Don Atchison’s remarks demonstrate our need to be informed of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, and the impact its terms could have on Canadian sovereignty.

Congratulations to city councillors who’ve made it a subject for public discussion.

Research presented to the Commons standing committee on International Trade revealed that while CETA is about lifting corporate trade barriers, it is primarily about limiting governments’ ability to regulate multinational corporations and investor activities.

Canada participated in setting terms of bilateral trade agreements, but CETA is different. The European Union wants trade and investment rules regarding Canada’s policies and regulations changed.

NAFTA’S Chapter 11 focuses on foreign investor rights, whereby unaccountable tribunals can order governments to compensate investors who claim that public policies hurt their profits. Such claims have cost Canada $157 million.

CETA demands stronger protection for investors; insisting provinces and municipalities comply. It provides unconditional access to procurement by all levels of government, thus limiting their ability to provide local benefits.

EU multinationals want access to provide public utilities — waste disposal, transit and drinking water. Local governments that decide to change a contracting-out agreement could be sued by a multinational.

Other areas at risk are environmental protection, health care, agricultural marketing, resource conservation, education and job creation. CETA’S intellectual property rights protection would increase drug costs because of an additional five years of delay in approval of generic drugs.

Being informed is a democratic right. Joan Bell Saskatoon