MPs tussle over Colombia
Federal trade legislation remained mired in the House of Commons last week.
Despite a government vow to limit debate on a controversial bill to implement a free trade deal with Colombia, New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois MPs vowed to continue using parliamentary rules to delay the bill’s passage.
They oppose it because of Colombia’s human rights abuse record, although Liberals say they will support the bill if they can insert a clause calling for annual human rights reports by both countries.
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MPs also spent an afternoon debating legislation to implement a free trade deal with Jordan and while all parties say they will support the bill, debate ended without a vote.
Too soon to give up on WTO: trade minister
Canada’s trade minister Peter Van Loan says there is little evidence that World Trade Organization talks are making progress, but he insists it is too early to give up.
“We’d like to see it advance,” he said following an appearance before the House of Commons trade committee. “But we don’t see the will in the world to see the process advance at this time.”
He said that is why Ottawa is emphasizing bilateral trade deals, including talks with the European Union and free trade deals with Colombia and Jordan that are before the Commons for debate.
Canada was one of the countries to endorse continued negotiations. WTO director general Pascal Lamy concluded there was enough resolve among the organization’s 153 members to close a deal.
Negotiated settlement unlikely
During an appearance before the House of Commons trade committee, Canadian trade minister Peter Van Loan discussed Canada-U.S. relations and indicated that a negotiated agreement on changes to American country-of-origin labelling regulations is unlikely.
Canada has challenged COOL at the World Trade Organization, but has said it hopes the challenge will prove Canada is serious and bring the United States to the negotiating table.
Agriculture committee plans hearings
Eight members of Parliament will travel the country this spring to find out what makes it difficult to attract new farmers.
The members of the House of Commons agriculture committee will travel from mid-April to early May to talk directly with young and beginning farmers, as well as older farmers who want to see their children become involved.
They also will visit farms to see the problems first-hand.
The Conservative government has also been looking at the issue and expects to announce policies soon.
