Canada braces for China trade

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Published: April 11, 2002

Legislation to deal with trade consequences of China’s membership in

the World Trade Organization has won House of Commons approval in

principle, but without the support of the New Democratic Party.

The legislation allows Canada to restrict import of cheap Chinese goods

if they undermine Canadian sectors. It will be studied at a

parliamentary committee this spring.

In the Commons, Saskatchewan New Democrat Dick Proctor said the NDP

opposes the WTO because it is secretive, undemocratic and tolerant of

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domestic human rights abuses.

In China’s case, WTO membership will legitimize an economy based on a

lack of environmental standards and labour rights, he said.

“The New Democratic Party does not oppose international trade,” Proctor

said.

“We strongly support fair trade, but if Canada imports Chinese products

manufactured by workers receiving paltry and substandard wages,

subjected to unsafe working conditions and denied the right to organize

and bargain collectively, then such trade cannot be considered in any

way fair trade.”

Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative party speakers supported

the legislation.

“I believe very strongly that given the proper guidance, the proper

opportunities and the proper abilities, the People’s Republic of China

too will become a very good partner in this world of global trade,”

said Manitoba PC Rick Borotsik.

Alliance MP Ken Epp noted China has for 40 years been a significant

customer for prairie farm products.

Other Alliance MPs could not pass up the chance of a trade debate to

raise the Canadian Wheat Board issue.

Manitoba MP and agriculture critic Howard Hilstrom said only one

eastern European country, China and Canada force farmers to market

through a government monopoly.

He wondered if Canada really has anything to teach China about

democracy and economic freedom.

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