Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Resolution – CETA – September 2010

February 21, 2011


Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Resolution – CETA – September 2010


October 2010, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) pass a resolution calling on the provincial government to negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for local governments from CETA.


WHEREAS the Canadian government has entered into negotiations with the European Union for a comprehensive economic trade agreement;


AND WHEREAS European corporations are insisting on full access to procurement by sub national governments – including local governments, school boards, universities, hospitals and other provincial agencies, which could significantly reduce or eliminate the right to specify local priorities when public money is invested in goods, services or capital projects;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM request:
• a briefing from the Province of BC on the scope and content of trade negotiations with the European Union;
• the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to provide sector-by-sector analysis of the potential impacts on municipal functions and powers of the procurement regime that the European Union is seeking;
• the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to urge the government of Canada not to provide the European Union with access to sub national government procurement; and
• that the provincial government negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for local governments from CETA.