Closed-door CETA negotiations may be handing over local water rights

July 22, 2011

BC municipalities are becoming increasingly concerned about CETA negotiations that are taking place behind closed doors. It appears that the trade agreement between Canada and the European Union would give limit the right to procure local goods and services and would give large multinationals access to local water contracts. Squamish councillor Patricia Heintzman has pointed out that municipalities have tried to get a permanent exemption from the CETA contract, even passing a motion at UBCM and FCM, but so far, the federal and provincial governments have been unresponsive to their requests. Read more in the Squamish Chief.