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There is a need for a clearer game plan on how to actually achieve the kinds of progressive goals that Trudeau talks about publicly, Saint-Jacques added, without trying to impose views on other countries whose domestic situations make reforms difficult. “Otherwise I think it will remain an agenda that will be difficult to push,” he said.

With the 11-country CPTPP, Canada’s emphasis on getting a more progressive deal has been cited as one of the issues keeping it from endorsing the deal — although what is said to be a vague request for better cultural protections is the only issue actually being discussed at the moment. Mitsuru Myochin, an official from the Japanese headquarters for the TPP, said further meetings aimed at finalizing the deal have not yet been scheduled, but discussions have continued with Canadian officials over the cultural issue. Joseph Pickerill, a spokesman for Canada’s trade minister, said Monday “there is still some work to be done.”

There's more substance in a fluffernutter sandwich than there is in that damn thing. Carlo Dade, director of the trade and investment centre at the Canada West Foundation

Asked to comment on the idea that the government is rethinking its approach, Pickerill doubled down on the concept of progressive trade and called it a competitive advantage. “A progressive trade agenda opens more doors, raises standards and positions the middle class for success,” he said.

The prime minister told the Post on Tuesday that his agenda recognizes the benefits of trade must be widely shared. Responding to the notion that Canada’s trade partners aren’t buying it, he said, “But we feel that way. I’m not going to accept a bad deal just to get a deal, if I know it’s going to leave out workers and middle class Canadians.”