SHAHEEN PRESSES FOR RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE WITH CANADA

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today pressed to get answers on behalf of a New Hampshire business owner regarding a trade dispute with the Government of Canada.

“The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is critical to economic growth and prosperity on both sides of our border,” Shaheen wrote in a letter to United States Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk. “As a close neighbor of Canada, New Hampshire maintains a strong and unique economic partnership with Canadian businesses, investors, and workers. I am concerned that disputes like this one can adversely damage our trade relationship and undermine support for expanding trade between our two countries.“

New Hampshire resident Bill Greiner is the sole shareholder of the Quebec-based Malbaie River Outfitters.  Recently, Mr. Greiner filed a lawsuit against Canada under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), claiming that his authorization from the Canadian Government in compliance with NAFTA was revoked in 2008 without legal authority or due process in an attempt to discriminate against his company. As a result of the revocation, Mr. Greiner’s company was forced to close and his significant investments in the business were lost.

“I want to thank Senator Shaheen for her support and continued efforts. I am still hopeful a resolution to this matter can be achieved,” Greiner said.

Over the last two years, the New Hampshire Congressional delegation has made a number of inquiries on behalf of Mr. Greiner, and he has made multiple attempts to settle this issue with the Quebec Government in an amicable fashion.

In January, Shaheen and the New Hampshire delegation wrote a joint letter to the Ministers of International Trade and Foreign Affairs in Canada requesting assistance in settling the issue, consistent with Canada’s obligations under NAFTA.

To date, no reasonable settlement offer has been submitted, and Mr. Greiner felt that his only recourse was to file a civil claim under NAFTA rules.  Shaheen continues to work to see this issue is resolved.

The full text of the letter is below:

April 22, 2011

Ambassador Ron Kirk

United States Trade Representative

600 17^th Street NW

Washington, DC 20508

Dear Ambassador Kirk,

I am writing to express my concern regarding a trade dispute between a New Hampshire constituent and the Government of Quebec, and to urge you to work with our Canadian partners to resolve this matter quickly.

Mr. Bill Greiner, a New Hampshire resident, is the sole shareholder of the Quebec-based Malbaie River Outfitters.  Recently, Mr. Greiner filed a lawsuit against Canada under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), claiming that his authorization from the Canadian Government in compliance with NAFTA was revoked in 2008 without legal authority or due process in an attempt to discriminate against his company. As a result of the revocation, Mr. Greiner’s company was forced to close and his significant investments in the business were lost.

Over the last two years, the New Hampshire Congressional delegation has made a number of inquiries on behalf of Mr. Greiner, and he has made multiple attempts to settle this issue with the Quebec Government in an amicable fashion. To date, no reasonable settlement offer has been submitted, and Mr. Greiner felt that his only recourse was to file a civil claim under NAFTA rules.   

Further, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HR 6 in the 2011 session, a resolution condemning the taking of Mr. Greiner’s private business by the Canadian government. 

As you are well aware, the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is critical to economic growth and prosperity on both sides of our border.  As a close neighbor of Canada, New Hampshire maintains a strong and unique economic partnership with Canadian businesses, investors, and workers. I am concerned that disputes like this one can adversely damage our trade relationship and undermine support for expanding trade between our two countries.  

Thank you for your consideration of this important and time sensitive matter.  I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Shaheen

United States Senator