CETA: New Tec Council requests local government exemption

AWARE Simcoe April 19 2011

New Tecumseth is asking the provincial government to negotiate a clear exemption from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement for local governments. A resolution moved by Councillor Jim Stone was passed unanimously by council last night. The resolution expresses concern that the deal currently being negotiated by the federal government with the European Union could reduce or eliminate the right to specify local priorities when public money is invested in goods, services or capital projects. Stone told council that the matter is an issue of vital importance to Canadian business – even Honda Canada has asked the government to cease these negotiations, he said. 

WHEREAS the Government of Canada and the European Union have been negotiating a trade agreement known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement  (the “CETA”);

AND WHEREAS the European Union and European corporations are insisting on full access to procurement by sub-national governments – including municipalities, school boards, universities, hospitals and other provincial agencies which could significantly reduce or eliminate the right to specify local priorities when public money is invested in goods, services or capital projects;

AND WHEREAS Canadian municipalities have expressed growing concerns with trade agreements and their potential impacts on municipal programs and services and local autonomy;

AND WHEREAS unfettered access to Canadian municipal procurement by European corporations may encourage privatization and reduce economic development options for local communities;

AND WHEREAS the provincial and territorial governments have been actively involved in negotiating CETA with the European Union;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of New Tecumseth requests:

• That a briefing be scheduled from the Province of Ontario on the scope and content of trade negotiations with the European Union;

• That the Federation of Canadian Municipalities provide sector-by-sector analysis of the potential impacts on municipal functions and powers of the procurement regime that the European Union is seeking;

• That the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge the Government of Canada not to provide the European Union with access to sub national government procurement;

• That the provincial government negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for local governments from CETA;

• And that this resolution be circulated to FCM, AMO, the local MP and MPP, and that it be placed on the agenda at the AMO Conference for consideration and approval.