Dear editor,
Here’s something scary, just in time for Halloween.
Some may not heard have heard about the Canada-China investment treaty that Stephen Harper signed on to in September. If it comes into effect, Canada will be bound irreversibly to its terms for the next 31 years.
All Chinese-owned assets in Canada, which will soon include Nexen Inc. if Mr. Harper decides to allow its takeover by the China National Offshore Oil Company, would be protected outside of the Canadian legal system and courts.
B.C. could be sued by China if we prevent the construction of the Northern Gateway pipeline that’s planned to transport bitumen to our coast from the Alberta tar sands.
This deal is happening without debate in the House of Commons and without public hearings.
Everyone can learn more about it by googling Canada-China FIPA (Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement), or see a good summary by Elizabeth May at www.greenparty.ca/stop-the-sellout.
Please ask MP John Duncan to stand up to Stephen Harper on this deal before it’s too late. Better yet, tell Harper directly to back off, by e-mailing him at stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca.
There is much at stake.
Anne Bauman,
Cumberland
