Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last few months have seen economic crises rippling through Europe, tipping the world’s economy toward the verge of disaster.

Italy’s, Portugal’s, Greece’s, and Ireland’s economies are spinning out of control and bringing down those closest to them. At the same time this government is participating in negotiations to bind us to this turmoil, putting our economy at risk.

To the Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations: will this government step up to the Premier’s promise of more transparency in government and make public the Canada-EU trade agreement negotiations it has taken part in?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mr. Dallas: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I will comment and appreciate the hon. member’s question. The negotiations that the hon. member is referring to are negotiations between Canada and the European Union. Those negotiations have advanced through nine rounds of consultation, and at the side of the federal government all of the provinces have been closely involved. We continue to make progress on that, but no agreement has been reached at this time.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. Hopefully, Albertans will have a part in setting that agreement and will be informed along with the progress. Given that the scarcity of water is a concern for all Albertans and that many communities are worried about the sale of this resource, can the minister reassure Albertans that the sale of our water is not a part of these international negotiations?

Mr. Dallas: Mr. Speaker, we have always been very clear. The Premier has always been very clear. Our water is not for sale.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. With reference to the Premier’s clarity, it can change at a day’s notice.

To the same minister: what guarantees can the minister promise Albertans as to debt contagion from Europe after this agreement is signed?

Mr. Dallas: Well, Mr. Speaker, there’s no relevance between this agreement and financial issues that are raging in the European economy. We trade on a best-efforts basis with any and all trading partners around the globe, so I don’t see the relevance of a particular jurisdiction’s financial issues.

Alberta Hansard, November 24, 2011

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