(OTTAWA) – The Green Party of Canada notes that the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) could face years of ratification votes in member countries before it takes full effect.

“Pending a decision from the European Court of Justice, CETA’s most controversial aspects, such as the investor court system, will require ratification by all 38 national and regional parliaments in the European Union,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “This could take years. There will likely be a referendum in the Netherlands, and several regions in Belgium are recognizing the threat of CETA to their dairy industry. Prime Minister Trudeau should not be so quick to trumpet CETA’s success while many serious hurdles remain.”

Paul Manly, GPC International Trade Critic, said: “CETA needs significant amendments or it should be shelved. This flawed deal contains the same anti-democratic investor-state provisions that have cost Canadian taxpayers millions in payouts to corporations. The threat of these payouts has led to a chill on enacting good regulatory policy that protects consumers and the environment.”

Jean Rousseau, GPC Agriculture Critic, said: "This trade agreement is likely to cause an agricultural crisis in Canada. Having signed the CETA, Justin Trudeau is affecting the lives and exacerbating the debt of our agricultural producers. This trade deal gives disproportionate power to corporations at the expense of local producers.”

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Dan Palmer

Press Secretary | Attaché de presse

dan.palmer@greenparty.ca

m: (613) 614-4916