Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank the committee for giving me a few minutes to speak.
What has been presented at length this morning and afternoon is not a trade treaty. In fact, in the 6,000 plus pages of the TPP document, only three chapters deal with trade. This is a true custom-made constitution for transnationals. It's a real predatory pact.
Negotiated and signed on the sly behind the backs of Canadians and Quebeckers, only a minority of the population knows what it contains. However, those who do know are strongly opposed to it and are very worried about this document. The Communist Party of Quebec, which is a section of the Communist Party of Canada, shares these concerns.
Regarding employment already strained by other treaties like this, we are concerned about the loss of some 58,000 jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which will be caused by this treaty. We are concerned about the impact of this pact on food safety because it will allow the full use of the Monsanto-developed bovine growth hormone, or BGH. We are indignant about this treaty, which paves the way to full privatization of public services, including education and health in particular, and its impact on the young and on workers.
We are concerned about the impact of this treaty on drug costs, destined to increase because of the increased duration of pharmaceutical patents. We are indignant about the clause allowing companies to sue sovereign states if they threaten their profits and their potential. This treaty is a true obstacle to the sovereignty of the people and to the rights of people to self-determination. It will have a particular impact on indigenous peoples who have been victims of political genocide for over 500 years. We are concerned about the increased rights of companies, particularly oil companies, which will have carte blanche and can therefore continue to pollute freely under the preceding clause.
Lastly, we refuse to take part in this predatory pact that the U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter says is as important as an aircraft carrier and is participating fully in the policy of “rebalance to Asia”, a true threat to peace in the region.
Instead of a trade policy based on the greed of companies that pits people against each other, we recommend a policy based on international solidarity, sustainable development and the right of people to self-determination.
Thank you.