To the editor:
I ask all Canadians, young and old, to urgently petition Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the exact details of what is going to be in this giant trade treaty effecting millions of Canadians for years to come – Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) or Canada-EU.
The Canadian National Farmers Union has asserted that it is so draconian they could be jailed if they save and re-use seeds and their assets can be seized under Plant Breeder’s Rights infringement.
These allegations and ones from the European press that it has a “ratchet clause,” current levels of privatization would be “locked in” on any services not specifically exempted.
If Canadian or European Union governments want to bring certain services back into public ownership, they could be breaking the terms of the agreement.
CETA has already been signed without hardly any consultation at all with the general public. It is due to be ratified in the fall.
It is vital the general public sees the true details of this treaty and I urge everyone to contact their local politicians and start a campaign for more consultation on the details of this treaty.
The Council of Canadians states that 2.4 million Europeans have said no to CETA. In Canada, more than 50 Canadian municipalities have said no to CETA.
Canadians and Europeans think they’re quite alike. They don’t fear the takeover of their economy in the way they do when signing a trade deal with the United States.
However, this is a big mistake because these trade deals are not about Europeans versus Americans or Canadians. They are about big business versus citizens, according to the British press.
Please hurry, it is urgent we know the truth, it will affect our way of life for generations to come.
Ceri Williams
Victoria
