Canadian procurement could be sticking point in trade talks

Canadian and European Union negotiators open a new round of talks in Brussels on Monday on an ambitious and unique free-trade agreement amid uncertainty about whether both sides — and in particular the Ontario and Quebec governments — are prepared to make politically sensitive concessions.

"We're very optimistic (and) we are confident" the target deadline of a comprehensive deal by end of 2011 will be met, Canadian Trade Minister Peter Van Loan told Canwest News Service.

While the Canadian Trade Minister is optimistic of a deal, negotiators haven't tackled some of the more politically delicate issue such as Canada's supply management system in the agriculture sector, copyright law, and especially government procurement.

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