While Canada signed the Trans-Pacific-Partnership deal in New Zealand recently, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen isn’t prepared to sign off too.
“[There has been] no economic impact analysis done at all. The government’s simply signed this and our concern is it will hurt farming, it’s going to hurt auto, [and] it’s going to raise drug costs by as much as $600 million a year for people’s medicine,” said the MP.
Cullen criticized the lack of consultation with various industries in Canada before the deal was signed, which now has to be ratified by the government within the next two years.
“If it’s such a great deal, then some very public explanation of that would be welcome, show us the numbers ... if the government’s got a strong case to make, then make it, but these guys are kind of sucking and blowing at the same time, saying it’s wonderful for us, but not showing us the numbers. I don’t buy as much as a sandwich without knowing what goes into it, so why would we sign a deal that takes forever to get [benefits] out of, without the consultation that we need?” said Cullen.
When asked about the potentially positive effects it may have with trade through the Port of Prince Rupert, Cullen noted that there may very well be beneficial outcomes of the deal for the trade gateway, but it remains to be seen.
“It might [have a positive impact for the Port]. These are the kinds of questions we want to know. If the government thinks this is good for some parts of the Canadian economy, then show us ... Show us the numbers, it’s not too much to ask,” he said.