During the past week, Belgium missed two earlier deadlines and Canada briefly walked out of the trade talks before returning the next day. The deal needs unanimity among the 28 EU nations, and Belgium needs unanimity among its regions. The francophone region of Wallonia, population 3.5 million, has been the lone holdout and refused to approve the trade pact. The deal between over 500 million EU citizens and 35 million Canadians would eliminate almost all tariffs. Canada’s International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland walked away from the talks Friday on the verge of tears, saying the EU appeared incapable of signing the deal.

Source: thestar October 23, 2016 19:12 UTC