The federal government has announced that it will appeal the WTO ruling against Canada’s challenge of France’s right to ban the import of asbestos in the interests of public health. As NDP Trade Critic, Bill Blaikie registered the NDP’s opposition to this appeal in the House of Commons. His statement is included below.

NDP Trade Critic condemns government decision to appeal WTO ruling on Asbestos

Statement from the House of Commons – September 21, 2000

Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I would like to register the objection of the NDP to the decision by the Minister of International Trade to appeal the ruling of the World Trade Organization which went against Canada with respect to the exporting of asbestos to France and Canada’s complaint about the law in France which prohibits the import of asbestos into France.

For us, this points out exactly what is wrong with the World Trade Organization. It can be used by various countries, embarrassingly so this time by Canada, to try to overthrow legitimate attempts by elected national governments to protect the public interest and to act in the interests of public health and the environment.

I call upon the Minister of International Trade to reconsider this particular decision.