Japan's Abe, Trudeau agree to promote TPP

[ToadBrother]

I think you could if the mass media coverage only covered the broad strokes, as in "they're talking about a deal... some people say THIS, others say THAT... and the details are being discussed online at this site... led by these trusted groups"

People could conceivably go to those places to get the details, and follow the discussions.

But we get that already. Rumors were floating for months about what the TPP might or might not include. In some cases I suspect the leaks were targeted.

[TimG]

4) International trade can still prosper even if the countries that are able to do so maintain a protected domestic food production capacity that is sufficient to keep the population from starving to death. For one, they can still all specialize in different types of crops that are best suited to their climates.

Sounds like you are talking about a 'strategic reserve of operating farms' much like we already have a strategic petroleum reserve. That is something that I agree makes sense but I worry people would conflate that with 'self sufficiency in food' which is generally a bad idea.

[Michael Hardner]

But we get that already. Rumors were floating for months about what the TPP might or might not include. In some cases I suspect the leaks were targeted.

What is the forum where people talk about good aspects of trade deals ?

[Wilber]

Sounds like you are talking about a 'strategic reserve of operating farms' much like we already have a strategic petroleum reserve. That is something that I agree makes sense but I worry people would conflate that with 'self sufficiency in food' which is generally a bad idea.

We have to decide whether we want farming or not, whether we want to produce food or not. The Fraser Valley is some of the most productive farmland in the country but being close to the third largest metropolitan area in the country, it is under constant pressure from developers and has to be protected by law. Once it is developed, it is gone forever as farmland.

[overthere]

How has free trade worked out for softwood lumber?

Pretty well actually

On October 12, 2015, the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement that had been in place since October 2006 expired. B.C. lumber producers can now ship softwood lumber products to the U.S. without paying any tax or duties. Under the terms of the agreement, the U.S. agreed not to launch trade litigation against B.C. for one year.

But best of all, they are building hosues in USA again.

Having access means nothing unless there is demand. there is both access and demand now. And no tax or duty.

[ToadBrother]

For those who think that way, I wonder whether they actually would be in favour of restricting imports even more. Require oranges and coconuts to be grown in Canadian greenhouses - that would help local employment too.

I suspect the benefit such crops would produce in greater employment would be dwarfed by the much higher costs of having to raise such crops in Canada in the volumes necessary to fulfill the demand. Take coconuts, which are used for a lot more than just deserts, with coconut oil even used in some industrial processes.

[Wilber]

We actually export a quite a bit of hot house produce. Not coconuts though. I often see BC hot house tomatoes in US stores.

[cybercoma]

It hasn't because it isn't part of NAFTA.

So the narrative about free trade agreements promoting our strengths is BS, since one of our major strengths isn't even a part of it.

[Smallc]

So the narrative about free trade agreements promoting our strengths is BS, since one of our major strengths isn't even a part of it.

It varies by agreement. Sometimes things are better left alone if they cost to much in reciprocal.

[Michael Hardner]

I suspect the benefit such crops would produce in greater employment would be dwarfed by the much higher costs of having to raise such crops in Canada in the volumes necessary to fulfill the demand. Take coconuts, which are used for a lot more than just deserts, with coconut oil even used in some industrial processes.

You're starting to understand comparative advantage. Now let's consider something that Canada does produce, but at a higher cost to producer and to consumer. If another country has a similar good that they produce at too high a cost, and if the two classes of goods can be paired off against each other - you have the basis for a trade agreement.

[Wilber]

So the narrative about free trade agreements promoting our strengths is BS, since one of our major strengths isn't even a part of it.

There are other things that are exempt from the agreement as well. Both sides had reasons for them.