Proponents of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement were holding their breath as European trade ministers were expected to finalize support for CETA Tuesday. Last week, Wallonia, a French-speaking region (population: 3.6 million) voted against CETA, largely over concerns its farmers would be adversely affected. Despite a visit from Canadian negotiator and former trade minister Pierre Pettigrew on the weekend, the region’s prime minister, Paul Magnette, dug in his heels, insisting Tuesday the blockade will continue. Canada and the European Commission are also finalizing a joint declaration interpreting some of the more controversial elements of the trade deal. But no one will be lining up for trade negotiations with Europe after what Canada has gone through, said Jason Langrish, executive director of the Canada Europe Roundtable for Business.

Source: National Post October 19, 2016 00:00 UTC