If there is a guiding principle for Canadian foreign and trade policy, it’s that it must put Canadian interests first. It naturally follows that Canada should not pursue partnerships which threaten our security or our economy.
When it comes to trade, Canada’s Conservatives believe that Canada’s strength has always been linked to opening trade with the world, and seeking out partners with whom we are most compatible. Not every country shares Canada’s commitment to a free market economy, protections for workers and the environment, protection of intellectual property, and transparent governance.
This is why Conservatives oppose Justin Trudeau’s rush to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
Without a doubt, Canada has been enriched by generations of immigrants from China, and today’s Chinese-Canadian communities are vibrant across our country. In the past, Conservative governments have worked hard to build economic opportunities with China. Measures such as the establishment of a renminbi currency trading hub in Toronto, and the signing of a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement with China were concrete steps towards building a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
