Unifor is pushing for the Trans Pacific Partnership trade talks to be part of the federal election debate — a rally in the county part of the latest efforts.
Roughly 300 supporters rallied in Essex outside of incumbent Conservative candidate Jeff Watson's campaign office Wednesday evening.
Unifor Local 200 president Chris Taylor called for Watson to give his position on the TPP.
"Are you in favour of a TPP that maintains the current content rules under NAFTA or are you in favour of signing an agreement at all costs including the cost of these people's jobs?" Taylor pressed.
Watson addressed the rowdy crowd briefly.
"First of all I find it ironic that you're defending NAFTA after saying NAFTA was the worst thing to the auto industry," started Watson before jeers from the crowd interrupted.
Watson spoke to reporters after stepping away from the rally, telling BlackburnNews.com the government is negotiating an agreement that's in the best overall interest of the country. When asked about the prime minister's suggestion the auto sector may not like everything in the TPP, Watson says the response sums up most free trade deals.
"You have to await an actual agreement in principle, but trade agreements by their very nature are pluses and minuses. It happens in every deal," says Watson, stressing any deal agreed to in principle will go before the next parliament for approval.
However, Taylor feels voters should have an understanding of the trade deal before election day.
"If [Prime Minister Stephen Harper] wants the agreement then come out clean to Canadians. Tell them what it means to their jobs. Tell them what it means to their communities and let them make the decision at the polls," says Taylor. "That's the democratic way."
Unifor has raised concerns over reports the TPP will require less local content for vehicle production, potentially meaning job losses for the auto sector.
Election day is October 19.
