CCEDNet Asks Premiers for Positions on EU Trade Deal (CETA)
June 11, 2010
The Canadian CED Network has sent a letter to the premier of each province and territory across Canada requesting their position on granting the European Union unrestricted access to procurement at the sub-national level in Canada through the proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Members of the Canadian CED Network and communities across the country have benefited from the policy flexibility sub-national governments currently have to implement purchasing policies that recognize the added social, economic, and environmental value of locally owned businesses, cooperatives, and social enterprises.
Canada is currently negotiating a CETA with the European Union. There is growing concern around proposed procurement rules that would remove the option sub-national governments have to use government purchasing in a way that creates stronger and more inclusive local economies, protects the environment, promotes ethical business practices, creates new opportunities for marginalized groups to gain long-term local employment, and fosters communtiy economic development. If you would like to get involved with others who have come together to challenge the Canada-EU free trade negotiations visit www.tradejustice.ca