Trade agreement ratification urgency prompts parliament recall request
Canada’s Conservative Opposition has urged the Liberal government to reconvene Parliament to approve the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade pact that would enhance export markets and protect thousands of Canadian jobs that rely on international trade.
Bill C-79 legislation, required to ratify the agreement, was only introduced to the House in late spring, reaching only first reading prior to the summer recess.
Glen Motz, MP for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner stated, “It is critical that Canada approve the CPTPP. The advantage of being among the first to sign the trade agreement will be an economic boost across all sectors of the Canadian economy.
With the U.S. administration stalling on a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement, coupled with American tariff action against Canadian exports further underscoring the need to expand foreign markets for Canadian producers, immediate approval of the CPTPP is crucial.
Last week, in correspondence to the prime minister, Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer pressed for the immediate recall of Parliament for an emergency session to debate and pass precursor legislation necessary to ratify the agreement.
Motz noted trade experts indicate the CPTPP has the potential to boost the Canadian income by
$20 billion over the next decade. Canadian firms risk losing first-mover advantages, jeopardizing jobs and supply lines.
“Being proactive in getting the CPTPP signed is absolutely essential for Canada, as it will have an enormous impact economically for our country” he said. “We cannot wait until the fall to act. We must come together as Parliamentarians immediately and approve this critical trade agreement.”