moved for leave to introduce Bill C-252, an act to provide for transparency in entering trade agreements and foreign investment protection agreements.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to table this private member's bill today. During the debate on NAFTA and the CUSMA trade agreement, the opposition Conservatives complained about the lack of transparency in the negotiations. When the Conservatives were in power, the opposition parties complained about the lack of transparency in the CETA and TPP negotiations. This Parliament is only able to debate the merits of a trade agreement after negotiations are complete and the agreement is signed.
This private member's bill, the trade and foreign investment protection agreements transparency act, is modelled on the European Union's process of transparent trade negotiations. The purpose of this act is to create a transparent consultation and assessment process to ensure that Canada's trade and foreign investment protection agreements reflect the values and interests of Canada as a whole, taking into account the perspectives of various groups, including local communities, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples; promote sustainable development and respect for the environment; and adhere to the principles of economic fairness, social justice and internationally recognized human rights.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)