Are these cases taken to court?

No.  They go to an arbitration.  Three international lawyers hear the case, usually in a hotel room. There are no appeals.  There is no access to a Canadian court before being thrust into arbitration. While “international arbitration” may sound fair and neutral, the reality is different.  A recent report, “Profiting from Injustice: How law firms, ...

What happened under Chapter 11 of NAFTA??

Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was the first investor-state agreement in the world. There is much to learn from analysis of this new type of agreement, but insufficient analysis has been completed of the arbitrations under Chapter 11 of NAFTA. Far from being of benefit to governments and their citizens, ...

Why is the Canada-China Investment Treaty worse than NAFTA Chapter 11?

NAFTA can be exited with six months written notice; the investment treaty with China is in force for 15 years, then Canada or China could give a one year written notice to exit, but all existing investments would be grandfathered for a further 15 years (31 year “lock-in”); Even though it is egregious that US ...

Is an Investor-State Agreement necessary to pursue trade?

No. Even though Australia does not have an investor-state treaty with China, they lead the globe in Chinese investment. In 2012, investment from China to Australia stood at $51 billion (US), eclipsing the United States ($50.7 billion) and far surpassing Canada ($36.7 billion). *Source: KPMG – Demystifying Chinese Investment, August 2012 Print this page...

What is an Investor-State Agreement?

While investor-state agreements are sometimes associated – or even confused – with free trade agreements, they are not the same. A trade agreement opens up areas, or sectors, of national economies to allow other countries access. An investor-state agreement is different. For example, the Canada-China Investment Treaty does not open any new sectors to trade. ...

Spring 2013 Newsletter – Investor-State Treaties

Why should Canadians care about investor-state treaties? One of the issues that was frequently raised in the last round of town hall meetings I held with constituents in January 2013 was the threat of the Canada-China Investment Treaty.  As I write this, the treaty has still not been ratified.  While this is very good news, ...

Your opinion matters!

Print this page...

Statement on Remembrance Day

November 11th is a day to remember that soldiers die believing they were sent for a reason, a noble cause, to defend, to liberate. Women and men of the military are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and we owe them our respect and gratitude. November 11th is a time for national reflection. We remember ...

National Food Policy Vision: to Improve Food Safety, Security, and Sovereignty

We need a National Agricultural and Food Policy which: Improves Food Safety Amending the Canadian Food Inspection Agency mandate to remove any obligation to promote Canadian agri-business, ensuring the focus is on food safety and food safety only, with enhanced resources for inspection and monitoring. Ensuring the quality and wholesomeness of food by strengthening the ...

Town Halls Coming in January

Twice a year I host a series of town halls throughout Saanich-Gulf Islands.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to hear first-hand what’s on your mind, be it a local issue or a national one. I’m excited to announce a new series of town halls that will be held in January.  Be sure to check ...