I want to make sure everyone in Canada is aware that next week, PM Stephen Harper is going to secretly pass a bill selling out Canada's businesses and resources to China, without a single debate or vote.
The Canada-China FIPA is a secret "fair" trade agreement that will allow Chinese companies to sue Canadian municipalities, provinces, and the nation if they do anything to limit Chinese companies' profits in Canada. These lawsuits would take place in secret tribunals outside the Canadian court system. Belgium is currently facing a $3 billion lawsuit from a Chinese company after signing a similar foreign investor agreement.
If this agreement goes through, Canada will be tied into the agreement for 31 years, even if it is appealed the very next day.
Don't be fooled, Canadian companies will not get the benefit in China that Chinese companies get in Canada, and the fallout could be disastrous for Canada's communities and provinces. This is short-term gain for long-term pain.
All Canadians deserve a right to have a say in the decisions that face our country. The government can't secretly pass huge agreements like this. We demand transparent democracy.
Kelly Loewen
Prince George
