Leadnow: TPP Opposition Takes Off Over Ottawa

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 30, 2016) - An airplane towing a message of opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) flew over Ottawa this morning to launch a new anti-TPP website from advocacy group Leadnow.ca

"The TPP is a dangerous, costly, and outdated deal that would kill jobs, raise the price of prescription medicine and undermine our public healthcare system. It would work against the change that Canadians voted for, and we're calling on the new Liberal government to reject the deal," said said Leadnow.ca campaigner Brittany Smith.

The banner, which read "REJECT-TPP.CA", directed morning commuters to a new Leadnow.ca website that launched today to inform people in Canada about the risks of the TPP.

"Harper negotiated the TPP in secret and most people still don't know the details. When people learn what's actually in the deal, they're shocked. Our new Reject-TPP.ca website is designed to get the facts out about the TPP, and the dangers it poses for Canada," said Smith.

A Leger poll found that many Canadians are not familiar with the details of the TPP, and that they are more likely to oppose the deal when informed about its potential negative impacts. (http://www.leadnow.ca/2016/02/tpp-poll/)

Leadnow.ca launched the aerial banner and Reject-TPP.ca website the day after the North American Leaders summit, where heads of state from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico discussed a range of issues, including the controversial trade deal.

"The TPP would put our democracy in shackles. It would let multinational companies sue for billions if governments in Canada pass laws to protect our environment or health," said Smith.

Through the TPP's investor-state dispute settlement mechanism, multinational corporations could challenge laws or regulations in private tribunals, and to seek damages from Canadian governments for losses to expected profits.

Prime Minister Trudeau has promised his government will consult the public before deciding whether Canada will ratify the trade deal. Over 27,000 Leadnow members have already sent messages to International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, asking her to reject the TPP.

The flight had initially been scheduled for Wednesday, but was delayed due to weather conditions that prevented take-off.

High resolution photos of the plane towing the aerial banner are available at: https://flic.kr/s/aHskBJuFUq

Leadnow.ca is an independent advocacy organization founded in 2011. The Leadnow.ca community has chosen three areas of focus: a strong democracy, fair economy and clean environment for all generations. Its members have ranked stopping the TPP as one of its top priorities for 2016.