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TILMA runs into trouble at UBCM
September 26, 2007
Local leaders from across B.C. says there's trouble with TILMA-a controversial trade deal between BC and Alberta, and they want the Campbell government renegotiate the deal to exempt municipal governments or pull out of the pact all together.
They voted overwhelmingly Sept. 26 at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Vancouver to call on Victoria to address their concerns that TILMA will override significant municipal government powers and put the interests of corporations ahead of local citizens.
It marks a major setback for the B.C. Liberals and Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen in particular. Hansen faced tough going in an earlier conference workshop on the deal. One delegate accused the minister of "trying to bully" delegates to support TILMA.
Meanwhile, B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair praised mayors and councillors who have led the charge against TILMA. He also highlighted the work of a coalition of community groups and unions-including the Council of Canadians, BCTF, BCGEU, Building Trades, COPE 378, CUPE, HEU and the Federation-that's campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the deal.
Carole James and the NDP have been highly critical of TILMA, which came into effect in April, was negotiated in secret by the B.C. Liberals and their Alberta counterparts.
