Time for Canada-China trade talks as Trudeau trip nears, say Poloz and Nault
OTTAWA — Canada’s central bank governor and a Liberal MP currently leading an all-party delegation to China are sounding bullish about a free trade agreement with the People’s Republic.
Bank Governor Stephen Poloz and MP Bob Nault, the chair of the House of Commons foreign affairs committee, are speaking favourably about a possible free trade pact with China as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to visit the country next week.
But their enthusiasm is up against two sobering facts: the Liberals remain noncommittal about actually starting formal free trade talks, while a recent government consultation with Canadians uncovered a wide range of concerns about a possible trade deal.
When asked about China, Poloz told reporters Tuesday that trade agreements offer much needed certainty to business.