There is little wonder left why the Harper government has been so secretive about the details of its ongoing “trade” negotiations with the European Union. The more we hear and see about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the less there is to like.
After the recent leak of CETA documents, there is quite a bit to see. In fact, we have a good sense of where the trade-offs lie, and what the municipal and provincial governments will have to give up so Mr. Harper can have his highly imbalanced deal.
According to the leaks, Canada has tied a single issue – market access for agricultural goods like beef and pork – to the EU’s most important demands, including patent extensions for pharmaceuticals (contained in a broader intellectual property chapter), procurement and dairy supply management.
Mr. Harper’s message is clear: let more Canadian meat into your borders and we will give you most of what you want in these other areas. Even if this means more expensive health care, and our municipalities giving up the right to “buy local” when spending public money.
The EU is asking Canada to change its pharmaceutical patent regime to extend protections to brand name drug companies at the expense of generic competition. Delaying generic drugs by even a year or two will have huge financial consequences for our public health care system, and Canadians in need of affordable prescription drugs.
Read more: Canada-EU trade deal puts profit before the public good - The Globe and Mail
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