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Question 8: Prosperity

What should Canada do to help make the benefits of globalization more widely shared within and among all countries?

 

 
 
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Contributor:1906
Date: 2003-05-01 18:18:39
Answer:
A rules-based trading system is important, but the range of stake-holders drawing up and implementing those rules needs to be considerably broadened. Agreements such as NAFTA and the proposed FTAA and GATS are marred by drawing on the limited perspective of the business and financial community with insufficient attention or weight being given to the perspectives of labour, environmental experts, sub-national governments, aboriginal people, producers of cultural material and civil society generally. Trade does not occur in a vacuum. It affects every aspect of common life, and the rules of international trade need to draw on the widest range possible of citizen participation.

Similarly, the settlement of disputes under trading agreements needs to be more open and transparent, with roles for a wider range of stake-holders to submit evidence and arguments. Not every hindrance of trade is inappropriate if there are sufficient reasons of public good involved, and such arguments should have a place in the settlement of disputes. Furthermore, all decisions by a tribunal should be backed publicly by the reasons for the decision--just as the judgments of the Supreme Court are.

For its own protection, Canada should act immediately to exempt its cultural services, public services (e.g. health care) and key public goods, such as bulk water, from coming under GATS, FTAA and other new trading agreements. It should also support the right of other parties to these agreements to make similar exemptions.

Taking action against poverty both domestically and globally should be a priority. This includes adequate social supports for the poor, cancellation of the debts of the poorest nations, better terms of trade for developing countries, and avoidance or swift resolution of armed conflicts. In particular it requires attention to the needs and welfare of women and children.
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