ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS FOR FAIR TRADE DEAL, SAY MUNICIPALITIES
:: Resolution Text
WHISTLER, B.C., June 6, 2009 — Statement by Jean Perrault, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Mayor of Sherbrooke, Que., on today´s adoption of a fair trade resolution by FCM´s membership:
“Today, Canada´s cities and communities joined the federal and provincial governments in a common front to try and stop American protectionism.
We stand united in the belief that fair trade and an even playing field are in the best interest of our country, our communities and our citizens.
By supporting the resolution brought forward by the Town of Halton Hills, Ont., our members have strengthened Canada´s bargaining position.
By holding back from endorsing countervailing procurement measures for 120 days, we recognized the Prime Minister´s commitment to finding a solution to this issue.
The timeframe of 120 days will give the Canadian and U.S. governments some breathing room. At the same time, it will continue to shine a light on this issue and ensure that everyone´s energies remain focussed on finding a quick resolution.
This U.S. protectionist policy is hurting Canadian firms, costing Canadian jobs and damaging Canadian efforts to grow our economy in the midst of a worldwide recession.
It was municipalities that pushed this issue to the top of the national agenda. We did it by pointing to the damage that protectionism can do, not just to trading relations, but to communities and their residents.
The government´s decision to urgently seek a bilateral deal was the right thing to do.
Over the next 120 days we will support the government´s efforts and have offered to assist by providing expertise on local procurement and making the case to our municipal counterparts in the United States.
We are prepared to work closely with Minister Day and the provinces to push for fair trade between our two countries and a deal that protects jobs and the interests of our communities and their residents.
A solution is urgently needed. Jobs are on the line.”
For more information: Jocelyn Sweet, 613-907-6395, jsweet@fcm.ca