Six Canadian unions express deep concern about FTA with Ecuador

On March 7, 2025 this letter was sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, the United Steelworkers, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and the National Union of Public and General Employees. This follows a previous letter sent in October, 2024 (links to both letters are below).

Dear Prime Minister:

We are writing on behalf of Canadian unions that are deeply concerned about the free trade agreement your government has negotiated with Ecuador. Collectively, we represent more than three million public and private sector workers across Canada. As you know, we sent you a letter October 2024 about this subject. We are urging you again to reconsider this trade agreement. We are deeply concerned about the potential negative impact this agreement will have on Indigenous communities in Ecuador, as well as broader implications for human rights and environmental protections.

Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), has repeatedly raised serious concerns regarding the lack of consultation with Indigenous groups, which is a violation of their rights under the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). As you may know, Indigenous leaders such as Zenaida Yasacama have voiced opposition to the agreement, warning that it will disproportionately benefit Canada’s mining sector while exacerbating existing human rights abuses. The Kichwa people of Pakayaku and other Indigenous groups fear that the trade deal will lead to increased exploitation of their land and resources.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system in this agreement is deeply troubling. Ecuador banned ISDS in 2008 and rejected it again in a 2024 popular referendum. The ISDS is seen as biased and unjust in Ecuador following a string of bad experiences. The ISDS allows Canadian companies to sue Ecuador for billions of dollars at private tribunals; it undermines Ecuador’s sovereignty and democratic processes. Ecuador’s past experience with ISDS, such as in the cases of Copper Mesa Mining and Occidental Petroleum, has been disastrous, with companies using the system to overturn local laws designed to protect communities and the environment. By endorsing this system, Canada risks protecting corporate interests over the fundamental rights of Ecuadorians, particularly Indigenous peoples, who have already experienced violence and intimidation related to mining operations.

We urge you to reconsider this trade agreement and to prioritize the protection of human rights, environmental sustainability, and the rights of Indigenous peoples. There must be a transparent and inclusive process that respects the voices and concerns of those most affected, including the Indigenous communities in Ecuador who have long resisted harmful extractive practices.

Canadian trade unions hold the view that foreign policy should reflect our values of justice, respect for human rights, and environmental stewardship. We respectfully ask therefore, that you reconsider this trade agreement and seek alternatives that uphold these values.

Signed by:

• Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress
• Nathan Prier, President, Canadian Association of Professional Employees
• Marty Warren, Canadian National Director, United Steelworkers
• Sharon DeSousa, President, Public Service Alliance of Canada
• Mark Hancock, President, Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Bert Blundon, President, National Union of Public and General Employees
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  (Read the March 7 letter and October 2024 letter)

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