Council of Canadians offers assistance to stakeholders, media, negotiators bewildered by TPP secrecy

OTTAWA, July 7, 2014 /CNW/ - In light of the Canadian government's poor etiquette as hosts of the current round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, the Council of Canadians will offer some assistance to stakeholders, negotiators, media, and citizens.  It hopes to alleviate confusion arising from the Canadian hosts' excessive secrecy. All are welcome to attend, but those with cameras may be especially interested in this photo opportunity.

Where:	In front of the Delta Ottawa City Centre (101 Lyon St N, Ottawa ON)
When:	Today - Monday, July 7 at 12:30 pm
Why:	Because International Trade Minister Ed Fast sure isn't going to help you

Initially scheduled for Vancouver before a last-minute shift to Ottawa, the only public notice about the July 3-12 meetings is a one-sentence blurb posted on June 24 on the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development's website.

Canada's chief negotiator has confirmed there will not be a stakeholder consultation process during the round , the first high-level round hosted here since Canada joined the 12-nation negotiations in October, 2012   Even the most basic information about negotiations is being withheld by the Canadian hosts.

Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada's leading social action organization with 70,000 supporters across the country. The Council advocates for clean water, fair trade, green energy, public health care, and a vibrant democracy.

For background on the TPP, visit canadians.org/TPP. 

SOURCE: COUNCIL OF CANADIANS

Sujata Dey: [phone], ext. 226 | Cell: [phone]