Freeland ‘still hopeful’ on Canada-EU trade; says ‘ball is in Europe’s court’
OTTAWA — International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland came out swinging against her domestic political opponents Monday as she ratcheted up pressure on European lawmakers to twist the arm of the lone Belgian holdout blocking their free trade deal.
Freeland held firm to the government’s political deadline of Thursday, when Canada and the European Union are scheduled to attend a summit in Brussels and formally sign the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA.
Freeland repeatedly brushed aside the question when asked whether the government would be willing to sign the deal after Thursday.
“Canada’s job is done,” she said. “Canada is ready to sign CETA, but the ball is in Europe’s court.”