Unifor economist Jim Stanford invites Jeff Watson to open debate on TPP

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Unifor National Economist Jim Stanford has extended an invitation to debate Conservative candidate Jeff Watson in Essex County on the impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership on Canada's auto sector. Watson has refused, but Stanford will proceed with an open forum where all members of the public and media are invited to attend.

Stanford invited Watson to a public debate on the TPP following repeated social media postings questioning the economist's credentials and professional ethics.

"It is not too late for Mr. Watson to accept this invitation for a civil public debate of the TPP, which will have enormous implications for the future of Canada's auto industry, including here in Windsor," said Stanford. "Mr. Watson's response is consistent with the Harper Conservatives' overall strategy to keep this deal largely under wraps until after the election."

WHAT:	Open Debate on the Trans-Pacific Partnership
WHEN:	Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:	60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex in the Shaheen Community Room
WHO:	Unifor Senior Economist Jim Stanford, Ph.D. Econ, with open invitation to Essex County Conservative candidate Jeff Watson

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including nearly 40,000 in the auto sector. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor

Unifor Communications Staff Representative Stuart Laidlaw at [email protected] or (cell) 647-385-4054.