Windsor-Essex residents have had a chance to share their thoughts on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement or the TPP.
A town hall meeting last night heard a wide range of opinions, with the majority saying the agreement will be bad for Canada.
Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians says even the U.S. election could have an impact. "Hillary Clinton has said she doesn't support the TPP, she said that more recently in the last few months. But previously, she's been a big free trade supporter, so I'm not going to be surprised if she does win the Presidency and a year, maybe a year and a half go by that she doesn't re-introduce it."
National Chairperson Council of Canadians, Maude Barlow at the Ciociaro Club, November 2, 2016 (Photo by Kristylee Varley)
"If you disagree with the TPP, you need to contact your Member of Parliament" says Barlow. "No matter what political party they are with that they don't want the TPP, that they're very clear on this and that they want a negotiation, an open debate on these trade agreements. We just kind of go into them blindly as if they're all good and we have to have a debate in our country. That is one of the reasons so many jobs were hollowed out here."
Supporters say the agreement, which includes 12 Pacific Rim countries, opens the door for business in southeast Asia.
Those opposed say it'll lead to job losses in the manufacturing sector.