Italy's agri min Centinaio: will not ratify free trade agreement with Canada

The new Italian Agricultural Minister, Gian Marco Centinaio, is hitting wires today saying that Italy will refuse to ratify a free trade agreement between the EU and Canada. Centinaio stated that there are doubts about the trade deal amongst his "European colleagues", but gave no specifics.

Canada is finding itself in rows over trade with several trade partners who have taken a protectionist turn recently, with US President Trump referring to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau as a "backstabber", and now Italy voicing concerns over trade agreements. Canada's Chrystia Freeland downplayed the statements, stating that she believes Canada will ultimately see a ratified trade deal with the EU.