To the Editor,
Following an unending string of devious acts, our prime minister has again demonstrated his complete contempt for the democratic process.
I’m referring to the trade deal with China that will give Chinese-owned companies the right to sue the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia or the City of Nanaimo if a decision one of these democratically-elected bodies in some way interferes with the Chinese company’s expectation of profits.
Even decisions of our courts can give rise to damages. The Canada-China Investment Treaty would allow Chinese investors to sue governments in Canada outside Canadian courts and behind closed doors.
Most British Columbians are opposed to Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline, but Harper is determined that it will be built.
A new NDP government in B.C. would be opposed to the pipeline and although Harper has the final say, B.C. could throw up so many road blocks that building the pipeline would be impractical.
But with the new Canada-China treaty, a Chinese oil company that wanted to transport its diluted bitumen through the pipeline could sue the B.C. government because we would be interfering with the company’s expectation of profits. How crafty of Harper, how disadvantageous for Canadians.
We all remember how much Brian Mulroney was loathed when he left office. When Harper leaves his lofty perch, what will Canadians think of him?
Arlene Feke
Nanaimo