SPP: What’s at stake
There are 19 working groups exploring 300 issues under the SPP umbrella. The recommendations are not made public, but here are six possible effects of the SPP
BY Jesse McLean
Bulk water exports
We have not yet started exporting water to the United States, but bulk water exports are on the SPP table. Thanks to NAFTA’s proportional sharing clause, once we start, there’s no going back.
Greater exploitation of our oil sands to meet U.S. demand
We are facing a predicted five-fold increase in oil production in the coming years—most of which will be exported to the U.S. Again, once we start, we can’t pull back.
More pesticides on our food
Canada is currently trying to raise the amount of allowable pesticides to bring us in line with the United States to make importing produce easier.
Less emphasis on responsible environmental solutions
Further integration with the U.S. would likely mean American-style solutions to environmental problems.
More migrant workers, with fewer rights
To remain competitive in the global market, Canadians could expect broadened migrant worker programs without adequate human rights provisions.
Bigger no-fly list, bigger margin of error
In synchronizing U.S. and Canadian security, the no-fly list could grow, as would the number of mistaken identities and imprisonments.
