Friday, November 10, 2017

Trudeau is blamed for stalled TPP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Canadian negotiating team were the target of blame for stalling the Trans-Pacific Partnership progress towards a free trade agreement.

But then, hours later, came news that there is an agreement. Apparently Viet Nam and Malaysia gave in to Canadian demands that the deal include protections for workers and the environment.

When the talks were stalemated, New Zealand, Australia and Japan all say it’s Canada that’s out of step.

That drew a quick response from the Canadian Meat Council saying it’s disappointed a deal has not been reached.

The Canadian Meat Council is keen to gain access to the Japanese market and is drawing attention to the success competitors, such as Australia, have had in gaining better access to Japan’s lucrative meat markets.

Labour and the environment are issues that Canada has raised during the negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement and a number of observers have said that's not going anywhere fast.