Australian former High Commissioner - "Trade with China: Proceed with caution"

"It’s too early to say what, if anything, the FTA will deliver, trade-wise. Australian exports to China are actually down.  .  . . Beggaring belief, a Chinese firm with military connections was allowed to take over the management of our northernmost port of Darwin.  .  .  . If Canada is to draw one conclusion from Australia’s experience, it’s for political leaders to take the Canadian people with them, openly, in advance."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/trade-with-china-proceed-with-caution/article34493609/

Government Consulting Canadians on a possible Canada-China free trade agreement

"The Government of Canada is asking the Canadian public and interested Canadian stakeholders to help define Canada’s interests in a possible FTA with China, and identify ways of maximizing the economic and social benefits of such an agreement. We want to hear from you and we commit to providing feedback on what we are hearing from you. The Government of Canada is committed to hearing from Canadians on this important subject and will ensure that Canadians continue to have the opportunity to provide their views as we engage with China, including through additional consultations in the event that Canada and China decide to move to formal FTA negotiations."

http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/consultations/china-chine/index.aspx?lang=eng

Comment from me: The key is how seriously the consultations will be taken by my Government. I really do wonder about this.