Canada will sign Pacific trade deal, ratifying not certain

OTTAWA — The federal government has confirmed it intends to sign the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal at a meeting next week in New Zealand. But when it comes to ratification of the 12-country treaty, the Liberals are still perched squarely atop the fence.

“Just as it is too soon to endorse the TPP, it is also too soon to close the door,” International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland wrote Monday in an open letter posted on her department’s website.

“Signing does not equal ratifying. Signing is simply a technical step in the process, allowing the TPP text to be tabled in Parliament for consideration and debate before any final decision is made.”

Only a majority vote in the House of Commons would ensure that Canada seals the deal, she added. She has also requested a thorough, transparent study of the agreement by parliamentary committee.

In recent weeks, Freeland has conducted public consultations on the wideranging accord, which — if ratified — would also set new international rules for sectors beyond trade. Those other areas include intellectual property, which worries some experts.

“It is clear that many feel the TPP presents significant opportunities, while others have concerns,” Freeland wrote.

“Many Canadians still have not made up their minds and many more still have questions.”

The minister has indicated the massive accord, which includes major economies such as the United States and Japan, cannot be renegotiated.

Freeland said each country has up to two years to consider ratification before making a final decision. She said signing the deal will keep Canada’s status as a potential full partner in the agreement.

Trade ministers from the TPP’s partner countries have been invited to sign the deal Feb. 4 in Auckland.

The former Conservative government announced an agreement-in-principle on the pact in October during the federal election campaign.

At the time, then-prime minister Stephen Harper hailed the TPP as a deal that would give Canada access to a massive market of nearly 800 million people. Harper warned Canada couldn’t afford to pass up on the agreement, a deal that came under heavy criticism in part because the talks took place in secrecy.

The treaty can take effect if it’s ratified by half the participating countries representing 85 per cent of the proposed trade zone’s economy. It remains unclear whether U.S. lawmakers will ratify the accord.

Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose urged Ottawa to support the TPP to help Canada’s economy.