EFTA & Shipbuilding
European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
and Shipbuilding in Canada
Will it survive?
Sisters and Brothers: March 24, 2009.
As some of you may be aware the Federal Government has been negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Peter Julian and Peter Stoffer have been tenacious in their battle in the House to try and convince the Government that the exemption is important for the salvation of the industry until the Federal Government comes forward with a shipbuilding policy that will allow the industry to survive in the future.
The NDP has been successful in moving an amendment to the legislation which would exempt the industry from the agreement which currently only has the support of the NDP and the Bloc, however we need the Liberal party to support the amendment in order for it to pass. Peter Julian advises that the Bill will come back to the House either Monday or Tuesday for debate and a vote.
Peter has requested that workers send him as many emails as possible calling on the Liberal Party of Canada and the Conservative Party to stand up for Shipbuilding and vote in favor of the exclusion of the Shipbuilding industry from the EFTA agreement. We do need these emails back asap as there is little time left to apply pressure to the Liberals to support us.
I would urge you to get as many people as you can to send Peter an email, the east coast will be sending emails as well as Quebec.
Peter Julian can be reached at juliap@parl.gc.ca
Also, please send a copy to Scott Brison who is a Liberal MP that sits on the international Trade Committee this may help to apply pressure to the Liberals.
Scott Brison email address is Brison.S@parl.gc.ca
