TPP no better than 'imperial preference'

The US and 11 other countries in the Pacific Rim reached a basic agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership on Oct 5.

The motive of some decision-makers involved in the TPP is to seek political gains by writing new global trade rules. Since US President Barack Obama might become one of the US presidents with least political legacy, no wonder he is in urgent need of political achievements.

Moreover, the latest poll in Canada shows that as the Oct 19 election approaches, the ratings for the Conservatives, the New Democratic Party and the Liberal Party are all close. Given the increasing pressure Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative government have faced over the past nine years, it is no wonder it hopes to reach a basic agreement on the TPP before the election to bolster its support.