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From the September 20 edition of the Chronicle Herald:

In a quiet fashion, Canada and Europe are negotiating a 鈥渃omprehensive economic and trade agreement,鈥� or CETA, which goes far beyond conventional free trade.

This ambitious deal would liberalize trade in goods and services, virtual goods and procurement. It would harmonize professional qualifications, regulations and intellectual property protections and eliminate most performance requirements for investments.

Supporters argue this would improve economic prospects on both sides of the Atlantic. They cite the benefits to efficiency and economic performance from free trade beyond national borders, with Canada gaining access to the vast European Union (EU) market.

Diversifying our trade to Europe, one of Nova Scotia鈥檚 largest markets, is a desirable goal, but specific benefits are uncertain. Most studies show both parties would gain, with some advantage to Europe, but no comprehensive analysis has been done for years.

Earlier trade deals boosted growth but the benefits are uneven, economic inequalities have widened and environmental impacts are worrisome.

Read the rest of the editorial at the .