Dear Editor,

What do we do with a federal government that appears to be acting in the best interests of a foreign power and their workers, rather than our own?

I am, of course, speaking of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act, which has been signed and is due to be ratified and put into place for 31 years, beginning in early November.

The treaty apparently would give Sinopec, one of the big Chinese backers of the Northern Gateway pipeline, the right to sue the government of B.C. if it blocks the project.

Sinopec could also demand that only Chinese labour and materials be used on the pipeline. Moreover, the treaty gives Chinese state-owned companies the right to full protection and security from public opposition.

The agreement also does not require provincial consent. It comes without any risk-benefit analysis. And it can be ratified into law without parliamentary debate. Nowhere do I see the benefit of this agreement for Canadians.

I would like to be enlightened, and I would love the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons. I don't recall this as part of the federal Conservatives' election platform, so would venture to say they do not have a mandate for it.

Cheryl Baron, Maple Ridge