P for Saanich — Gulf Islands caused many to become concerned that the pending FIPPA agreement with China will give up significant Canadian sovereignty, particularly as regards ownership and sale of energy.
However, challenges by Chinese companies or investors against Canadian governments under this pact must prove that Canada is discriminating by imposing a non-tariff barrier by changing an existing law. This provision is the same as that included in many trade agreements between countries and is inherent in any dealings through the WTO.
It may be that not many legal challenges of similar acts occur in China because the Chinese apparently prefer to settle such issues through negotiation rather than litigation.
Mack Stone
Qualicum Beach