Christy Clark highlights support for Trans-Pacific trade deal

B.C. Premier Christy Clark expressed her support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal during a visit to a fish market in Victoria on Wednesday.

"There has never been a trade agreement negotiated by Canada where BritishColumbia comes out the clear winner like we have in this deal," said Clark at the Finest at Sea market.

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Clark said the market and its employees are among those who will benefit if the federal Liberal government ratifies the trade deal with Japan, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and potential growing markets in Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

She says the deal will allow Canadian goods to compete in a marketplace of about 800 million people.

In a letter to International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, Clark's government is calling on Ottawa to ratify the deal.

Clark's Liberal government also introduced a motion in the legislature endorsing the deal.

Opposition NDP Leader JohnHorgansays the public deserves a greater say on the trade deal beyond the premier's endorsement.

"TheCEO of an investorin B.C. tech start ups said, 'Potentially dangerous for innovate start ups such as tech.' But the premier knows best," said Horgan, referencing a quote from HighlineCEOMarcus Daniels in a Business in Vancouver article.

Dairy producers across the country, including B.C.,have beenoutspoken about the trade dealhurting their industry.

With files from RichardZussman