Stephen Harper promotes the new trade agreement with the European Union by describing it as the most comprehensive trade agreement ever signed and points out that it’s with the largest integrated market in the world. Yet most Canadians know little about this agreement and others that the government is negotiating.
“Will they benefit those of us who live and work on Vancouver Island? What will their affect be on jobs, our local economies, our local governments and on our environment?” asks Alice de Wolff, chair of the Comox Valley Council of Canadians.
“Are We Being Sold Out? Jobs, Trade and the Economy” is an evening of information and discussion co-sponsored by the Comox Valley Council of Canadians and the Campbell River, Courtenay and District Labour Council. It will take place in Courtenay on Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. in the Rotary Room at the Filberg Centre.
Three speakers will stimulate the discussion. Ellen Gould is a long-time trade and policy researcher who is particularly watching a new agreement called the “Trade in Services Agreement”. She is based in Powell River and is associated with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Brenda Sayers is the spirit behind the Hupacaseth First Nation’s court challenge to the Canada - China Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, and has toured the country talking about First Nations concerns about trade.
Alice de Wolff is a long time trade activist and is the current chair of the Comox Valley Council of Canadians.
The event is open to the public.