Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, MP Saanich-Gulf Islands, will ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper a question in the House of Commons concerning the provinces’ future liabilities under the Canada-China Investment Treaty.
May is concerned that the provinces will be saddled with millions, possibly billions, of dollars once China has the right to sue for damages under the treaty.
Her concerns are based on Harper’s reaction after Ottawa had to pay a $130-dollar settlement under NAFTA when forestry giant AbitibiBowater Inc. claimed that the company’s assets were illegally seized by Newfoundland and Labrador.
Harper: ” … I have indicated that in future, should provincial actions cause significant legal obligations for the government of Canada, the government of Canada will create a mechanism so that it can reclaim monies lost through international trade processes.”