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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 238

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 24, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 238 - Oct/24/23
Mr. Jean-Denis Garon (Mirabel, BQ)
  • Oct/24/23 11:03:07 a.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-57 
Mr. Speaker, in his excellent speech, my colleague noted the more general aspect of relations between multinational corporations and the state and how they are put on an equal footing. We know that the Liberals and Conservatives are obsessed with exporting oil, the dirtiest oil in the world. When we put multinationals on an equal footing with governments, it is a bit like telling Ukraine and our other trade partners that we want to export to their country as much of the dirtiest oil in the world as we can, implying that if, some day, these countries impose environmental regulations that are good for the planet, they will be seen as enemies of free trade. I would like to know whether my colleague has any thoughts to share on the right of countries to respect the environment, even in the context of free trade.
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Context: House Hansard - 238 - Oct/24/23
Ms. Andréanne Larouche (Shefford, BQ)
  • Oct/24/23 3:44:35 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-57 
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague who spoke a lot about energy and large multinational oil companies. Unfortunately, this type of agreement often puts multinationals, the big oil companies of the world, on the same footing as states. It is rather shameful and I would like my colleague to comment on that. With this agreement, we missed the opportunity to give more power back to states so that they take precedence over multinationals. There is a danger in letting these companies lead the world and take the place of states.
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Context: House Hansard - 238 - Oct/24/23
Ms. Andréanne Larouche (Shefford, BQ)
  • Oct/24/23 4:45:00 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-57 
Mr. Speaker, we are in favour of the principle of this agreement. The Bloc Québécois is also an ally on the Ukraine issue. We agree on that. However, I would like to hear my colleague's views on a missed opportunity in this agreement, namely, bringing multinational corporations back under government authority rather than putting them on the same footing as governments. My colleague talked about oil companies and large energy corporations. There is a risk of lawsuits with these large multinationals. In short, putting them on the same footing and not restoring this inequality means that a state could become their puppet. The risk of a lawsuit is not trivial. I would like to know what my colleague thinks.
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Context: House Hansard - 238 - Oct/24/23
Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ)
  • Oct/24/23 5:18:37 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-57 
Mr. Speaker, I would like to hear my colleague's thoughts on two points. First, as with other free trade agreements, it is the executive branch that acts alone. Elected representatives and opposition members do not have direct access to the chapters or any direct influence on the content of the agreement. What does my colleague think? Would she agree with the idea of coming up with another mechanism? Second, the chapter on investments still allows for an investor, a multinational, to sue a state directly. Since these are international agreements, they are supposed to be agreements between nations. However, it is as though multinationals are being put on the same footing as nations. Does my colleague not think that this should be changed?
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