The Ontario government is lobbying the federal government to
protect auto-industry jobs in the revived trade negotiations with South Korea.
That, however, is precisely what has stalled a deal that is
keenly sought by Canada’s beef and hog farmers who believe there is a ready
market in South Korea for their meat.
The South Koreans have insisted all along that they need
improved access to the Canadian market for their cars, else there will be no
deal.
Premier and Agriculture Minister Kathleen Wynne has been
silent on the trade talks, but Eric Hoskins, her Minister of Economic
Development, has warned that a deal with South Korea “may actually be quite
challenging and problematic and negatively impact the sector in Ontario and
Canada.”
But federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is urging
negotiators to press hard for a deal.
Hoskins says the federal government ought
to seek the same auto-industry protections as the U.S. gained in its 2011 trade
agreement with South Korea. He said the U.S. gained concessions for
Michigan-based auto manufacturers.