Buy American' Deal Too Late: Easter Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | 12:00 PM AT CBC News
P.E.I. MP Wayne Easter says the new trade deal between the Canadian and U.S. governments on an American economic stimulus package comes too late. Last week, the prime minister announced he had resolved the 'Buy American' dispute, allowing Canadian companies to bid on American stimulus projects worth billions. But Malpeque MP Wayne Easter, vice-chair of the Canada/ U.S. inter-Parliamentary group, said with the deadline for applications coming in less than two weeks, the deal comes too late. "Certainly if there are companies, though, on Prince Edward Island, and they can get their bids in prior to February 17th, they could. But as I said I think we're too far into the game," said Easter. "This American stimulus package is pretty near over for us to gain anything from this agreement now. [This is] a face-saving exercise by the prime minister." Easter said $200 billion of the $275-billion U.S. stimulus package has already been allocated or spent.
Returning
MP: Wayne Easter
Province: Prince
Edward Island
Region: Atlantic
Region
Area: 1 663
km2
Population: 33,796
(2006 census)
Major census subdivisions: Charlottetown*
and Cornwall
Other
electoral districts: Cardigan, Egmont, Hillsborough
Polling divisions: 68
Number
of electors on preliminary list: 25,234
(Elections Canada)
*Denotes that a census
subdivision occurs in more than one electoral district.
The agriculture industry is
a complex and multi-level chain comprising of suppliers,
farmers, processors, retailers and consumers in Canada
and abroad. This industry is a generator of wealth,
key to Canada's prosperity.
As Agriculture Critic, I have the opportunity to
work with industry, primary producers and Parliament
to build a stronger, more vibrant rural Canada and
strengthen our farmer's voice in Ottawa.
