Speak Up Please We Can’t Hear You: Engaging Canadians in the Millennium Round Dialogue

The voices of those who would benefit from the negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial meeting held in November 1999 have been remarkably muted, while a growing and well-organized opposition has prepared a campaign to influence the Millennium Round.

Document Highlights

There is a need to balance this dialogue to include those who benefit from international trade and investment liberalization; this includes not only the Canadian business community, but also consumers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.

• Exports are 42 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).
• To prosper in the future, Canada needs guaranteed access to markets in growing sectors and a level playing field with our major competitors.
• Success of the Millennium Round depends on winning over public opinion.
• Business leaders, and others who benefit from trade liberalization, have kept a low profile on the Millennium Round.
• Business leaders need to be more active in ensuring a balanced dialogue on trade issues.