2010:04PU INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
Whereas 1 the Canadian government is in negotiations with the government of the European Union for an expansive new free trade agreement; and
Whereas 2 a proposed trade deal with the European Union would also bind provincial and municipal governments to NAFTA-like restrictions; and
Whereas 3 this approach would drain needed stimulus from the Canadian economy, worsen the current crisis in manufacturing and interfere with provincial and municipal governments’ authority to provide and regulate local services; and
Whereas 4 it is the right of local and provincial governments to support local or Canadian suppliers, set minimum local rules for materials or services on major projects, adopt ethical and environmental purchasing policies, enforce commitments to hire workers locally or require companies winning public contracts to invest a portion of revenues or profits in Canadian communities; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy in negotiation of international trade agreements that there be:
a. comprehensive public consultation, transparency and full disclosure, and
b. respect for the rights of provincial, territorial and municipal governments to protect the public interest; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada in its negotiation of international trade agreements to:
a. ensure comprehensive public consultation, transparency and full disclosure to the public and to parliament, and
b. incorporate respect for the rights of provincial, territorial and municipal governments to protect the public interest through local procurement of materials, services and labour, ethical and environmental policies, and the requirement that companies winning public contracts reinvest a portion of their profits in local communities.