NDP uncovers proof that the SPP agenda is neither about security or prosperity for the Canadian and American people

Edited by Guy Pelletier

OTTAWA – The NDP Members of Parliament are criticising the Harper Conservatives’ handling of the North American leaders’ Montebello summit for being dogged by ‘secrecy, missed opportunities and insults’ by the Prime Minister.

Documents obtained by the NDP through access-to-information reveal the so-called “wide-ranging” and “dense” agenda of the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) contained discussions of energy integration and the harmonization of standards. Much of the document was censored by the government, including information on energy security and smart and secure borders.

“Clearly, this document shows that the SPP agenda is not about security and prosperity,” said NDP International Trade critic, Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster). “The SPP’s agenda goes way beyond facilitating transportation across the border, or developing an effective pandemic protection strategy. The 30 CEOs who joined the leaders in closed-door meetings are driving their big business priorities through the SPP agenda. Their recommendations call for nothing less than the steady erosion of Canada’s sovereignty and the quality of life for Canadians.”

NDP MP Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) added, “Mr. Harper has also failed to assert Canadian sovereignty and there is a real threat our Arctic will be claimed by other countries. The prime minister should have used this Leader’s Summit to show real leadership and put Canada back on top.”

NDP House Leader Libby Davies (Vancouver East) joined the thousands of protesters in Montebello yesterday and was extremely disappointed by the prime minister’s dismissal of the dissenting voices.

“...[T]he prime minister disgraced his office and insulted ordinary Canadians. He should apologize to the peaceful activists that attended protests at the summit, in Ottawa and nationwide, and he must realize that those Canadians who are raising their voices with concern should not be belittled or ignored.”

Only Members of Parliament from the NDP in the House of Commons have expressed opposition to the joint Liberal-Conservative SPP agenda.

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