Trade Deal with Europe: A Long Shot Worth Trying

(Montreal Gazette)

Negotiators for Canada and the European Union met in Ottawa yesterday [Monday] to begin talks on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. This has the potential to be a very good thing for Canada.

As meetings begin, the two sides are aiming high: not just "free trade" in the sense of the North American Free Trade Agreement but also more openness in areas NAFTA skirts around, government contracts, standards for food products and manufacturing, and much-improved labour mobility.

These talks must be seen as a long shot. In the current economic climate few jurisdictions are eager to open up markets. Read the complete editorial here.