Media Advisory - The Trans-Pacific Partnership: What does it mean for Alberta and Western Canada?

CALGARY, Dec. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the largest global trade agreement to date.  The TPP countries represent a market of 792 million people, account for close to 40% of the world's GDP and over 65% of Canada's $56 billion in agriculture and food trade. The TPP is important. 

The TPP was the subject of some debate during the last federal election – but most of the debate centered around Central or Eastern Canada businesses like supply-managed dairy, and automobiles.  So what about the west?  Does Alberta stand to gain or lose from the TPP?  What will the TPP mean for energy exports, agriculture and lumber, to name a few industries important to Western Canada? 

Media are invited to join The School of Public Policy and the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center as they host what may be the first ever discussion on TPP benefits and risks specifically to Western Canada and Alberta.  Speakers will be among the most distinguished in Canada and North America, and will be available for interviews.  This is a "must-attend" event for media interested in the potentially massive impact of the TPP on Western Canada's economic future. 

Experts include:

• John Curtis, Founding Chief Economist, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Executive Fellow, The School of Public Policy
• Jacqueline Palladini, Senior Economist, Global Commerce Centre, Conference Board of Canada
• Claire Citeau, Executive Director, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
• Peter Kuperis, Director, Domestic and International Trade Policy, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
• Laura Dawson, Director, Canada Institute, Wilson Center – Keynote, "The View from Washington"
• Michael Gullo, Director, Policy, Economic and Environmental Affairs, Railway Association
• of Canada
• Stewart Beck, President and CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation
• Eugene Beaulieu, Director, International Economics Program, The School of Public Policy

WHAT:	The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and Beyond: Opportunities and Advantages for Western Canada- symposium
WHEN:	Thurs. Dec 3, 2015, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Media are welcome throughout the event, but two key times are:
		11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Keynote speech: The View from Washington, Laura Dawson, Director, Canada Institute, Wilson Centre
		2:35 p.m. - Media availability with Prof. Eugene Beaulieu who will sum up the discussion and answer the question, "What does the TPP mean for Western Canada?"
WHERE:	The Sutton Place Hotel, William Tomison Room, 10235 – 101 St., Edmonton, AB

SOURCE The School of Public Policy - University of Calgary

Media contact: Morten Paulsen, [email protected], 403.220.2540