Featured article
Reflections on the Struggle Against the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, 30 years later
Our Project
This website is devoted to documenting the early history of free trade struggles leading up to the adoption of the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (1988).
This digital archive contains interviews with activists and related ephemera from the 1980s, documenting Canada’s rich history of activism against free trade.
What is Free Trade?
Free trade is a policy program that sets out to reduce barriers to imports and exports between countries. Under a free trade policy, goods and services can be bought and sold across international borders with little or no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions to inhibit their exchange.
Who Opposed Free Trade?
In response to free trade proposals, powerful social movements emerged around the world. In Canada, opponents included feminists, indigenous peoples, Catholic Bishops, auto-workers, farmers, and others.
Contact us
If you were active in the early struggles against free trade, we want to hear from you.
We also appreciate any feedback or suggestions on how to improve the digital archive.