“In December 2012, the World Trade Organization decided that minimum local content requirements in Ontario’s landmark Green Energy Act violated international trade rules, as the European Union and Japan had argued. It was an expected but still disappointing decision that challenges the ability of communities around the world to develop renewable energy sustainably and with maximum social and economic benefit. (See our first issue of Sustainable Trade Bulletin, March 2013.)
“Canada appealed the decision on behalf of the province. But on May 6, the WTO appeals body upheld the earlier panel ruling and asked Canada to remove the illegal “buy local” rules. This decision is final and binding on Canada, which was given 30 days to decide how it would comply. On May 29, the Ontario government announced it would introduce legislation this year to change the Green Energy Act. It is possible local content rules will be removed, fundamentally weakening the renewable policy and undermining the ability of provinces, municipalities and even other countries to “buy local” in the future…”
Read more in the latest issue of the Sustainable Trade Bulletin, a co-production of Blue Green Alliance Canada, UNIFOR, Canadian Federation of Students, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and The Council of Canadians.
Bulletin de Commerce Equitable (Numero 2, aout 2013)
Sustainable Trade Bulletin (Issue 2, August 2013)
