The federal government is doing the best it can to stimulate the economy, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is one more way officials plan to do just that, according to Wild Rose Conservative MP Blake Richards.
Although negotiations between the 11 participating countries are still underway, Richards said the agreement has recently proceeded to ministerial negotiations, which is the last stage before the documents are presented to the House of Commons for approval.
"Obviously, first of all, trade negotiations have been a very integral part of our government's plan for economic growth,î said Richards.
"I mean, opening up new markets gives us all kind of opportunities for new economic prosperity and new opportunities for Canadian businesses, which leads to increased employment, increased sales, and increases the GDP.î
Some other recent trade deals, like the Canada-EU Trade Agreement (C-EUTA), have already been a significant accomplishment in terms of trade, he added.
"But when you look at the (TPP), the countries that are part of that negotiation, you're talking a market of 658-million people, and a combined GDP in those countries of over $20 trillion,î he said.
"Things are moving forward and looking positive. Our trade minister has been very engaged in those negotiations, and this is something that will just add to the great record that we have in terms of opening up markets and creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.î
Although he is not personally participating in the negotiations, because of the role agriculture plays in the Canadian export market, he has no doubt that portion of the market will be included in the agreement.
"Obviously, agriculture is one of our significant exports without question, so that would certainly be part of the negotiations, I have no doubt,î he said.
He pointed to the C-EUTA, which has already provided advantages for Canada's vast array of agricultural products.
"And again, I think when you look at an agreement as broad as this one, when you talk about a market of 658-million people, you're talking about a lot of economic activity,î he said.
The countries involved in the partnership include Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Chile, Malasia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and Brunei, he said.
"So there's all kind of opportunities that can be opened up for businesses, and I know there's businesses within Canada that already do business in those regions,î he said.
"It opens up opportunities for new business, whether it be farmers, whether it be companies that are exporting manufactured products, or whether it be small businesses looking to expand their opportunities. It'll have a great impact for people across the country, including Mountain View County.î
Online groups such as ExposeTheTPP.org, have been speaking out against the TPP, claiming that it will include Internet censorship, sweeping copyright changes, and the ability for corporations to sue governments if they pass laws that impede profits, such as GMO-labelling bills.
Richards said he could not confirm or deny such claims, because the agreement has yet to be finalized and released to the public.
"Obviously this is still an agreement under negotiation, so for anybody to be pronouncing what may or may not be in it, would be making guesses, I suppose would be the way to put it,î he said.
"I think when you look at the past record, we've been able to negotiate some deals that have been of great benefit to Canadian business and Canadian consumers, and there's no reason to believe this would be any different,î he noted.
"In fact, I'm quite confident the work we've been doing in that area in terms of negotiating agreements with countries with an economic future will continue with this agreement when it's complete.î
The negotiations have moved forward, and the trade minister participated in ministerial negotiations late last month, he said.
"And the minister indicated at that time that he was continuing to promote and advance our best interests at the negotiating table, and there's commitment by everyone there to move forward until an agreement is reached.î
Once an agreement on the terms of the TPP have been reached by vested parties, the details will be released to the public, and the broad strokes of the agreement will likely be voted on by MPs.
"We're just hopeful that we can get that agreement finalized and we'll work through the implementation process from there,î he said.
