As Canadians learn about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), communities across Canada are raising concerns. Several have passed resolutions demanding that provincial and territorial governments negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for local governments from CETA.
“CETA has far-reaching implications for municipalities,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist. “As well as opening the door for the privatization of water, CETA threatens local procurement and democracy by putting corporate rights above public rights.”
The next, and possibly final, set of negotiations is being held in Ottawa this week.
CUPE has produced a thirty-second video that draws attention to the fact that CETA is the first trade agreement that puts delivery of public water on the table. CETA could force municipalities to privatize water services to the lowest bidder.
- Watch the video
The following is a partial list of communities that have raised concerns or passed resolutions against CETA:
- Alnwick/Haldimand, Ontario
- Asphodel-Norwood, Ontario
- Brantford, Ontario
- Brockville, Ontario
- Burnaby, British Columbia
- Chilliwack School District, British Columbia
- District of Kent, British Columbia
- Drayton Valley, Alberta
- Esterhazy, Saskatchewan
- Grand Forks, British Columbia
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Lashburn, Saskatchewan
- Lillooet, British Columbia
- Logan Lake, British Columbia
- London, Ontario
- Lunenberg, Nova Scotia
- New Tecumseh, Ontario
- North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Quinte West, Ontario
- Trail, British Columbia
- Trent Hills, Ontario
- Windsor-Essex, Ontario
The Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a resolution at this year’s convention from the District of Kent “to remove water services from any commitments under the proposed Canada-EU CETA.” The motion, which states “the inclusion of water services in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) would undermine the public control and accountability of these vital assets” also calls on the FCM (the Federal Council of Municipalities) to take this same stance.
For more information:
Greg Taylor, CUPE Communications, 613-818-0067 (gtaylor@cupe.ca)
Janet Szliske, CUPE Communications,1-604-454-7293 (jszliske@cupe.ca)