NDP bill would ensure labour representation at trade tribunal

The Mixer, May, 2008

julian OTTAWA – NDP International Trade Critic Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) tabled a bill in the House of Commons in early April that would require the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to include a nominee of Canadian labour organizations as one of its permanent members.

“It’s a simple and fair request,” said Julian. “To be a fair and balanced body, the CITT must have representation from Canadian labour organizations. When it comes to international trade, no one is more affected by the CITT’s decisions than Canadian workers and they need to have someone standing up for them.”

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is a major quasi-judicial body within Canada’s trade remedy system. It has a mandate to conduct inquiries on dumping and subsidized imports, in addition to hearing appeals related to international trade arrangements and providing advice to the minister of Finance and Governor in Council.

“The decisions of the CITT have often reflected an incomplete analysis of the issues it has to deal with. Even worse, only business interests are able to initiate a complaint within the CITT mechanism,” added Dennis Deveau, legislative director for the United Steelworkers of Canada, representing over 280,000 Canadian workers. “I think that the Canadian government must understand that Canada cannot have a strong, fair and vibrant economy without the support and participation of labour and this private member’s bill is one of the many measures that would help to correct this unbalanced situation.”

Julian’s bill would instruct the Governor in Council to consult with the Canadian Labour Congress in order to choose the best candidate to fill the position created. The six full-time, permanent members of the CITT are currently appointed for up to five years.

“We have seen the CITT make decisions that profoundly affect and involve thousands of Canadian workers, their families and their communities,” said Julian. “It’s time to make sure that these workers are included in the decision-making process.”