SU-2526-26
Comhairle notes
That section (i) of the University of Galway Students’ Union Constitution states that a fundamental objective of the SU is “To act as the recognised representative body for registered students within the University and to represent their interests”.
Comhairle also notes
That the proposed EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) contains an Investor Court System (ICS), where multinational corporations can bypass domestic courts and seek financial compensation from the State for perceived breaches in investment protection standards.
Comhairle further notes
That this threat of litigation is likely to create a ‘regulatory chill effect’ where the state will resist the introduction of public policy measures which could damage investors’ profits e.g. an increase in the minimum wage, rent controls, and strengthened environmental standards.
Comhairle believes
That the state should not prioritise the interests of corporations over the public interest, i.e. the interests of University of Galway Students’ Union members.
Therefore, Comhairle mandates
That the University of Galway Students’ Union campaign against the government’s efforts to ratify the EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement.
