How is the current government advancing the SPP?
Since March 2005, the Harper government has been advancing the SPP agenda through administrative changes and budgetary measures. Despite the absence of major announcements, several departments have quietly committed to regulatory changes including the harmonization of trade rules and security practices. This incremental approach operates under the radar screen of public scrutiny because the Conservative government knows that Canadians would reject a major agreement that laid out the entire strategy. Cross border working groups have been initiated in many sectors including manufacturing, shipping, transportation, energy, telecommunications, health and the environment, financial services, business development and agriculture. SPP proponents argue that there is no alternative to the SPP. The Green Party of Canada argues for credible, principled alternatives.
