The New Democrats and the Liberals are rejecting the Conservative government’s invitation to a private briefing on the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, and demanding that the full text of the agreement be released publicly before election day.

In letters to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, both parties declined to attend the meeting on Friday that would have required attendees to sign confidentiality agreements. 

“Over a week ago Minister (Ed) Fast promised to make all details of the TPP available to Canadians. He has broken that promise,” NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair wrote.

“Instead of openness and transparency, Canadians are learning details through leaked information and the government’s own self-serving promotional efforts. That’s not acceptable.”

Mulcair said he can’t agree to a private briefing “that leaves Canadians in the dark.”

Liberal candidate John McCallum was more blunt in his letter to Harper, calling the proposed briefing a “political ploy.”

McCallum said the requirement to sign a confidentiality agreement and keep the TPP information “under embargo” doesn’t meet the Liberal Party’s transparency standards.

McCallum also said it’s “simply not possible” to conduct an in-depth analysis of the 1,500-plus page document in 90 minutes.

“Due to your continued lack of transparency and refusal to be straight with Canadians, we will not participate in your political games,” he wrote, urging the government to publicly release the full text of the TPP agreement.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May tweeted that she was also included in the briefing invitation, but did not say whether she would accept.

 

 

Harper said Thursday that the full text will be released “as soon as it is available.” He said the agreement is still being crafted by Canada and its 11 Pacific Rim partner countries.

Trade Minister Ed Fast had said that the text would be released before Monday’s election.

Harper has said that detailed summaries of the deal have already been released.

With files from The Canadian Press