June 7, 2007
"TRADE AGREEMENTS OVER DINNER"
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The impact of trade agreements on food systems and agriculture is probably brought up on almost every broadcast of
Deconstructing Dinner, but never have we tackled this topic head on. On this broadcast we look into how trade agreements
affect the fruits on our trees, the animals in our fields and the food on our plates. We will focus on
two agreements and a "partnership" that have either had devastating effects on our food, and/or will have further
impacts in the near and distant future.
A short segment will also be featured covering the recently tabled Bill C-448, calling for a ban on Terminator
Seed Technology.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
For years, we have been told that globalization and free trade are inevitable, and that the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would bring jobs and prosperity to Canadians. But in the aftermath of the softwood
lumber decision, even former supporters of free trade are arguing that NAFTA isn’t working for Canada.
Critics suggest it undermines democracy, strips Canada of control over our energy resources, threatens to put
water up for sale, and endangers health care and other public services.
Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)
In March 2005, Paul Martin, George W. Bush and Vicente Fox met in Waco, Texas to ratify the Security and
Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). The SPP takes NAFTA's goal of continental economic integration
much further by including security and foreign policy issues, and by speeding up the process of regulatory
harmonization integral to the first Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Despite a lack of public awareness or
input, all three North American governments are moving quickly toward a continental resource pact, North
American security perimeter, and common agricultural and other polices related to our health and environment.
Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)
On April 1, 2007, a new free trade pact (TILMA) came into effect between Alberta and B.C.
Critics say it will have a devastating effect on local democracy, public health and the environment.
While currently confined to Western Canada, provincial governments in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and
the Maritimes have all shown an interest in signing on. TILMA was signed by the premiers of Alberta and B.C.,
without public consultation or legislative debate, in April 2006. The agreement allows corporations and
individuals to sue provincial governments for any provincial or municipal government measure they feel
"restricts or impairs" their investment (i.e. their profits). Under TILMA, critics suggest that even measures
designed to protect the environment and public health are vulnerable to attack from corporate lawsuits.
Guests
Alex Atamanenko, MP BC Southern Interior / NDP Agriculture Critic, "New Democratic Party of Canada" (Ottawa, ON / Castlegar, BC) -
Elected the Member of Parliament for British Columbia Southern Interior in 2006. Alex is the critic for Agriculture
and Agri-Food and the Canadian Wheat Board. Atamanenko was born in New Westminster, and was educated at the
University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.
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Corky Evans, MLA Nelson-Creston / NDP Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Lands, "New Democratic Party of British Columbia" (Victoria, BC / Winlaw, BC) -
Corky Evans was elected as the MLA for Nelson Creston in 1991, and was re-elected in 1996. He was once again
elected to represent his constituents on May 17, 2005. Corky has served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
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Stuart Trew, Communications Administrator, "Council of Canadians" (Ottawa, ON) -
Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and
chapters across the country. We work to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on
fair trade, clean water, energy security, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern
to Canadians.
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Musical Selection (name/title/album/label)
Theme/Soundclip - Adham Shaikh, Infusion, Fusion, Sonic Turtle (CDN)
Music - Raymond Schultz, After the Nafta Disasta, If This Records Survive Me, Orchard
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Articles/Reports
Additional Audio
Alex Atamanenko
- How often are NAFTA's impacts on Canadian agriculture/food discussed in the House of Commons? LISTEN
- Yet another threat to agricultural protections from free trade is the Canadian Wheat Board LISTEN
Stuart Trew
- The SPP seems like grounds for intense media coverage, but we don't hear much about it? LISTEN
- Stuart speaks more on the threat to Canada's fresh water supplies LISTEN
Corky Evans
- Is there an illegality to the implementation of TILMA that could allow the people to stand up and say, "hey, we weren't a part of this"? LISTEN
- With so much secrecy behind TILMA, the amount of miconceptions and rumours now circulating has even led to a section on the TILMA web site titled "12 misconceptions". Could such secrecy now backfire? LISTEN
- Corky was recently part of the fight to save Formosa Blueberry Farm in Maple Ridge, BC. A portion of the organic farm was appropriated to build a highway ramp in spite of intense opposition. Is TILMA a sign of more Formosas? LISTEN
Other Audio
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