After asking Maple Ridge council to take a stand against the latest trade agreement, a local group is now taking its message to the public with a town hall meeting this Tuesday on the Trans Pacific Partnership.
The TPP Action Group of about a dozen members, is holding the meeting 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Heritage Church, in Port Haney, at 22279 – 116th Ave.
Oosha Ramsoondar, with the group, says that under the existing North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada is already facing 38 lawsuits from companies claiming damages under NAFTA, as a result of government actions.
"We have many concerns," said Ramsoondar.
Trade agreements are under fire in the U.S. presidential candidate nominations now under way.
"Even Hilary Clinton has come out against TPP."
According to a Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study, the agreement could impact Canadian immigration by making it easier to bring in migrant workers.
Although the previous Conservative government negotiated the deal, the new Liberal government has signed the agreement which involves 12 countries. However, the TPP hasn't yet been ratified by Parliament.
The meeting will feature a five-person panel consisting of: Dr. Amy Ann Lubik, LeadNow, Tri-Cities; Blair Redlin, with the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, member of the Candian Union of Public Employees; Harjap Grewal, Council of Canadians; local resident Ivan Chow; and Paul Finch, with B.C. Government and Service Employee's Union.