CETA: Constraining Manitoba’s Economic Prospects and Policy Options

This report also examines the potential impact of providing foreign investors with increased access to public procurement and the impact of weakening the provincial government’s ability to promote regional development and to ensure that Manitobans benefit from the province’s natural resources. The increased patent protection and investor litigation rights are examined to assess the potential impact on the costs and effectiveness of public institutions and services. Ultimately the paper finds that CETA contributes to a shift in public policy orientation, a shift that diminishes the capacity of the Province of Manitoba to promote economic development and the interests of its citizens and communities.