OTTAWA—The Conservatives are conducting negotiations toward a massive 12-country trade deal—that could well prove to be their campaign centrepiece—in secret in the middle of an election, the Liberals and NDP charged Wednesday, Nov. 30.
As Justin Trudeau unveiled the Liberal health-care policy plank, one of the last remaining pieces of his party’s platform, and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair promised to establish a parliamentary science officer to advise his would-be government, the Conservatives were answering awkward questions about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which could be announced, in some form, as early as Oct. 2.
Joe Oliver, in a rare national campaign appearance, defended the government’s right to conduct official business during the election period.
The finance minister rejected suggestions that the government’s continued pursuit of the TPP is a violation of the so-called “caretaker convention,” which is supposed to limit government activity during an election period.
“There is a protocol in place and we of course consult with the Privy Council on these issues,” Oliver said.
