Yes, that is the case. The investor-state dispute settlement mechanism does not prevent governments from regulating in the interests of labour, environment, or other public policy issues such as health and safety. The investor-state mechanism is there to provide Canadian investors in partner countries with an impartial process in the event of an alleged breach of the treaty. That is the main reason for that mechanism. It provides some stability and predictability for the investor. It is essentially a way for them to manage risk in our partner countries. But it does not prevent our partner countries from regulating in the public interest.
On May 5th, 2009. See this statement in context.