Clear threat, clear response

The WTO’s focus on the service industry is clear. The US trade delegation — a heavy hitter in any trade talks — makes its goal abundantly clear: "The United States is of the view that commercial opportunities exist along the entire spectrum of health and social care facilities, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living arrangements and services provided in the home."

The US Coalition of Service Industries echoes that. "We believe we can make much progress in the negotiations to allow the opportunity for U.S. businesses to expand into foreign health care markets… Historically health care services in many foreign countries have largely been the responsibility of the public sector. This public ownership of health care has made it difficult for U.S. private sector health care providers to market in foreign countries."

As powerful interests gear up to pry open that market, opposition is lining up to slam the door shut. Canadians know that the GATS is a ticking time bomb. Canadians are placing increasing pressure on the federal government to take swift action to protect Canada’s public services from the profiteering free-for-all of a new trade deal. As the defeat of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment demonstrates, the best-laid plans of corporations and governments can be swept aside by citizens intent on protecting jobs, public services and national sovereignty.