Canada optimistic of being exempted from curbs

By Rob Gillies | February 2, 2009, Monday |

Print Edition

CANADA, America's top trading partner, is cautiously optimistic it will be exempted from protectionist provisions in the economic stimulus bill that call on major public works projects to favor United States iron, steel and manufactured goods over imports.

Canada and other US trading partners warn that favoring US companies would breach Washington's trade commitments and could set off a retaliatory trade war.

Canadian International Trade Minister Stockwell Day voiced strong objections when he met with interim US trade representative Peter Allgeier at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, at the weekend.

US President Barack Obama does not have a trade representative yet, but was represented by Allgeier, a Bush administration holdover who served as ambassador to the World Trade Organization. Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Obama's nominee for US trade representative, is awaiting Senate confirmation.

"Following the discussions I've had, and with the interventions we've made on a number of levels I'm cautiously optimistic that something can be worked out," Day told reporters on Saturday.

Day said Allgeier was very much aware how big of a concern it is to Canada. He said the president has certain abilities to waive parts of the legislation if they go against the obligations of the North American Free Trade Agreement - which links the US, Canada and Mexico - and other international pacts aimed at liberalizing world trade.

"They are looking for ways to handle our concerns," Day said. "The administration is very aware. There seems to be a desire to do something to mitigate the effects of the legislation going through, if it does go through."

Asked about the protectionist provisions on Friday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs would say only that the administration was reviewing them.

The provisions are likely to find support among Americans outraged that money from a stimulus package likely to top US$800 billion could go to foreign rivals of US firms.

The US House of Representatives passed the US$819 billion stimulus bill on Wednesday that included "buy American" provisions that would call on major public works projects to favor US steel and iron.

Economy

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Canada optimistic of being exempted from curbs

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