CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE: TransPacific Partnership Trade Negotiations Resume… via 1310News.com

What IS the Trans Pacific Partnership or “TPP”?

-a massive free trade proposal involving Canada and 11 other countries (Japan, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore & Malaysia) which would cover 40% of the global economy

Why is this upsetting some Canadians?

-Essentially, farmers and auto-manufacturers are very upset that this TPP could be signed, sealed and delivered (along with their respective fates) by the Canadian government without consulting the industries directly affected.
-Dairy farmers worry this TPP will offset Canad’a Supply Management System (to the tune of an estimated 2 million in losses, per year)

What is a Supply Management System?

-a term to describe policies that control the price of milk, cheese, eggs and poultry in Canada through marketing boards. It restricts the

pic: @MelAdams1310 on twitter
pic: @MelAdams1310 on twitter

supply of these products by controlling the amount produced domestically and limiting imports with high tariffs. 

Where’s Canada at with this TPP currently?

-The United States and New Zealand are pressuring Canada to lower it’s tariffs on foreign dairy products
-Canada “okayed” increased prices of European cheese imports with the European Union, but other countries say Canada’s initial demands from other importers were MUCH higher than they should be

 IMPORT: BAD – EXPORT: GOOD? Export Necessary…

-Wheat and meat farmers depend on exports
-if Canada is to remain competitive (and… relevant) internationally, the TPP is a must

It’s not just Dairy Farmers opposing the TPP:

-The Auto Sector is greatly affected by the prospective deal
-Sources in two countries (Mexico is one) say the American and Japanese sides have worked out a drastic change that would affect vehicle manufacturing on this continent…

 

Now you know a little bit about the Trans Pacific Partnership. This could mean big things for all Canadians if it goes through, and if it doesn’t.

 

Comments are welcome – I do not understand much of this ongoing situation but am doing my best to become informed (and to inform others). It’s easy to avoid “being wrong” by NOT saying anything, but this is worth discussing. Thoughts?