An event May 30 at Washington state’s border with Canada will call for trade policies to prioritize working people, communities and the environment instead of what organizers called the interests of large corporations.

The event is part of a series leading up to July 1, when North American leaders may decide whether to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement for 16 more years.

Julie Bouanna, executive director of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, said more than 30 organizations representing labor, environmental groups, farmers and others are calling for a People’s Trade Agenda.

“Many folks want to confront corporate rule and the ways in which corporations have hijacked our trade agreements to build and amass power and wealth off the backs of working people on the planet,” Bouanna outlined.

Signed by President Donald Trump, the USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, known as NAFTA, in 2020. Trump argued the USMCA would stop the outsourcing of American factories and enforce stricter labor and wage requirements.

But organizers of Saturday’s event said the agreement has done the opposite. They said it has helped corporations send jobs overseas, drive down wages and pollute the environment.

Bouanna described current trade agreements as “rigged” but stressed the event will be a display of joy. She added it will be held at Peace Arch Park, where people can cross the Canadian border without going through customs.

“We’ll be able to really celebrate cross-border and cross-issue solidarity with food and music and speakers,” Bouanna emphasized. “Especially during this time, I think it’s so important to come together.”

Similar events are being held in communities across the continent, including along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Source: Public News Service