Canadian companies poised to win exemption from Buy American

[CHIMO]

Source: Globe and Mail Update

The Canadian and American governments are set to announce a major agreement to exempt Canadian firms from the Buy American provisions of the economic stimulus program.

Perhaps equally important, the agreement will signal a major advance in breaking down barriers to trade within Canada itself.

It was unclear whether the formal announcement was coming later Thursday or on Friday.

But its provisions are understood to grant Canadian exporters immediate access to procurement opportunities in the 37 U.S. states that have signed the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement.



Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/canadian-companies-poised-to-win-exemption-from-buy-american/article1456109/

---

On the way down the rabbit hole.

[Mike_03]

1. As one who has a huge affection for Canada, and first degree relatives there...

I don't really understand these provisions, or whether or not they are good for Canada, the US, or what. I am embarrassed to say, I don't really understand the consequences.

But I am fascinated by this report and want to investigate it further.

[CHIMO]

4. I Also

Do not understand it, because it has not been made public yet. I would find it very unsettling if the provincial governments were throwing away their rights, which it would seem they are doing from the previous press reports. One thing that appears to be a positive for Canada is the free trade between the provinces because of the WTO agreement that they would have to adhere to. However, they are already to make that agreement in order to enter the European Common Market trade zone.

As far as the effects on the US. It would appear to me, that with a weight of one to eight that the US would still set all the rules. Just have they have done with NAFTA.

If you are interested in looking into some of the background you could start with this site.
http://www.davidorchard.com/online/2do-index.html

[HeresyLives]

2. A little more on this for ya.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife said U.S. lawmakers "watered down" protectionist policies Wednesday night in the Senate. The clause had been attached to Washington's massive $900-billion stimulus program.

Fife said Thursday afternoon that the policy shift was due to complaints from trading partners like Canada, the European Union and 50 other countries who were concerned that protectionist measures would cripple global trade.

While the specifics of the deal weren't immediately apparent, Fife noted that trade between Canada and at least 37 U.S. states will be opened up.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/201...

[PSPS]

3. Who are they kidding? Any meaningful "Buy American" provisions were stripped from the bill anyway.

[HeresyLives]

5. State and city ones were the problem.

[valerief]

6. Does this mean we can buy Canadian drugs with our medical insurance? nt

[HeresyLives]

7. LOL dunno. Have to wait for details I guess.

[Oregone]

9. Ask your insurer

:)

[CHIMO]

10. I Doubt

It. However, as we have no information on the agreement I can't say either way.

Health and safety of the population will probably overrule trade agreements. As they will most likely have to conform to existing legislation.

Considering the power of the drug companies, if I had to make a bet on the outcome, it would be that no change would be made. Otherwise, the agreement or whatever it is called would never pass.

[Oregone]

8. Why not?

[tuvor]

11. Is it really anything for Canada to be happy about?

According to a comment on this story at cbc.ca:

"The U.S. money is allocated for roads, public housing and other infrastructure projects. Most of the money has already been spent."

[HeresyLives]

12. Absolutely!

The money is irrelevant, the continuing free trade is important.

No protectionism.

[CHIMO]

13. Who Knows?

Only Harper. I would like to hear form Maude Barlow and others before I would answer a question without any of the basic information.

[CHIMO]

16. As

You already know Maude has given us her answer.

Again people have been sold down the river to the corporations.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/celebrate+this+deal/2529076/story.html

[defendandprotect]

14. Ed Schultz had been running a strong "Buy American" theme . . .

and while we still have overwhelmingly "made in chine" articles in our stores

which I try very hard NOT to buy -- I am noticing some movement back to more

traditional areas of production -- STILL NOT MADE IN AMERICA, HOWEVER!!


If we want to figure corporations and their power, this is an excellent way to

do it --

Also -- not using credit cards if you can help it -- not always possible!!

But has quite an effect!

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

15. Treaty Obligations

The US bashed open the Canadian market during the FTA negotiations under Reagan they are entitled to equal treatment.

Not that Canada is a problem in the first place...

[provis99]

17. Canada got royally screwed by us this time.

Essentially, all they got was the status quo before the whole "Buy American" debacle, while what we get in return is American companies shoving Canadian companies out of business, and bringing in cheap immigrant labor from third world countries to supplant the native Canadian labor.

Harper's more pro-American corporation than Goldman Sachs is.