Editor:
On Oct 31, 2012 the federal government plans to quietly approve the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (CCFIPPA) without a single debate or vote.
While the CCFIPPA may benefit Canadian companies in China, what will it do for Canadians here at home?
It will pave the way for China to spend billions buying-out Canada’s natural resource companies. What about Taseko Mines Ltd and Mt. Polley Mine right here in the Cariboo?
How could this affect our environment and our workers wages and job security? Canadian resource corporations and their shareholders might profit from this type of buyout but will the individual Canadian taxpayer benefit?
The deal requires Canada to give Chinese companies “the right to full protection and security from public opposition.” Should we put trade agreements before the protection of Canadian air, water, farmland, and healthy ecosystems that sustain us?
It would allow China to sue Canada, outside of Canada, behind closed doors, if its investment interests were hindered. For example, if the B.C. government decided to stop the Northern Gateway pipeline over concerns about environmental impact, Canadians could be on the hook for millions in damages. Do you want your tax dollars to be spent this way? This could break our country Canada and the majority of its taxpayers. Then what?
The CCFIPPA would tie our hands for 31 years. Canada has already spent millions on penalties from lawsuits launched under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Belgium is facing a $3 billion suit from one of China’s companies because of a similar foreign investor agreement. Why would Stephen Harper do this to the Canada he brags about having the best financially managed government in the world?
Has Stephen Harper ever listened to Oh Canada?
If you would like the answers to these questions please ask them too.
Kris Andrews
Williams Lake