(OTTAWA) October 12, 2016 – Elizabeth May released the following statement following news Green European MEP José Bové is now permitted to stay in Canada for seven days after initially being denied entry:
“I’m pleased that Canada Border Services Agency has corrected this shocking situation,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “Questions remain as to how Mr. Bové, a sitting parliamentarian, was denied entry into Canada in the first place after obtaining a travel visa.
“I thank Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale for any direction he provided in allowing Mr. Bové to continue with his speaking engagements in Canada, which include speaking against the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. Both Mr. Bové and the Green Party of Canada oppose CETA for – among other reasons – its use of secret tribunals that will allow corporations to skirt state laws with investor-state dispute resolution mechanisms,” Ms. May said.
Daniel Green, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, said: “I am relieved that reason has prevailed to let Mr. Bové remain in the country. It is important that political debate takes place in Canada and Europe, and a major player in the debate on CETA can now help educate Canadians about the problems with this bad deal. I invite Canadians to listen to what Mr. Bové has to say on this treaty, particularly how it could directly affect our agricultural economy.”