But then, hours later, came news that there is an agreement. Apparently Viet Nam and Malaysia gave in to Canadian demands that the deal include protections for workers and the environment.
When the talks were stalemated, New Zealand, Australia and Japan all say it’s
Canada that’s out of step.
That drew a quick response from the Canadian Meat
Council saying it’s disappointed a deal has not been reached.
The Canadian Meat Council is keen to gain access to the
Japanese market and is drawing attention to the success competitors, such as
Australia, have had in gaining better access to Japan’s lucrative meat markets.
Labour and the environment are issues that Canada has raised during the negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement and a number of observers have said that's not going anywhere fast.
