Trade minister says renegotiation of Pacific trade deal not possible

A renegotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is not possible even though serious concerns may be raised during public consultations, Canada's trade minister [has] said.

"The negotiations are finished and for Canadians it's important to understand that it's a decision of yes or no," Chrystia Freeland told reporters after receiving varied feedback at a meeting at the University of Montreal.

Freeland said the treaty negotiated by the Harper government during the election campaign is very complicated, involving 12 countries along the Pacific Rim that make up 40 per cent of the global economy.

All countries have two years to ratify it, but the treaty comes into force if the United States, Japan and four other countries give their approval.

"It's important for us to understand that we don't have a veto," she said...

Trade critic Tracey Ramsey believes there is a way to reopen the deal that preserves jobs and avoids higher drug prices.

"It will involve some work but we know that a better deal is possible for Canada," she said in an interview.

The minister said she's heard both opposition and support in consultations so far...

Meanwhile, Freeland said the complexity of the TPP hasn't slowed the government's work on ratifying a trade deal with the European Union known as CETA, describing it as a priority for the government...

This has been excerpted from 14 January 2016 article by The Canadian Press.