Great news for those who believe less protectionism, less barriers in our small market makes sense. The same special interest groups that are against labour mobility, increased competition, lower costs, will have another issue to complain about. (Can you guess which political parties will be defending the special interests groups in Ottawa?). Canada's is gaining credibility on the world stage as they deliver results vs empty rhetoric from previous governments.
We are open for business and global trade!
If the New West Partnership can build from strength to strength the opponents including the NDP, Bloc will have less influence in blocking progress.The Unions, provincial monopolies that restrict competition will have have to explain why they deserve a premium above market. Why should Canadians be held hostage for their entitlements?
The same anti-Harper, anti-free trade, anti-competition forces will block every deal to protect their own self-interests and sweetheart deals.
"The market we're looking at is much bigger than the market we're giving up," argues Manley. "Shouldn't we be thinking more about how we access markets than how we protect our little market?" - John Manley on Trade with European Union Winnipeg Free Press April 26, 2010
Source Wikipedia
"We are eliminating unnecessary regulation. We are eliminating duplication of regulation. We are saying to ourselves when we work together we can accomplish so much more."
"We've just gone through a huge global economic shift. There's going to be a tremendous competition for labour, for investment and investment will naturally navigate to those areas that have the same regulations, a larger base of population."
The premiers said the first major outcome of the agreement is a joint mission to China and Japan later in May to draw attention to "Canada's newest free trade region." The provinces are also considering having shared marketing offices in some international markets.
The trade portion of the agreement is targeted at removing barriers between the provinces, which will coordinate their business and occupation-related standards and regulations — similar to the intent of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) signed by B.C. and Alberta in 2006. - The Province April 30, 2010
The New Western Partnership will have some interesting strengths to demand Ottawa pay more attention. The N.W.P. account for 62 seats or 43% of the 145 seat CPC minority government . The N.W.P. deliver more seats than Quebec and account for more GDP and population.
