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Quotes from Friday’s developments on the collapsing Canada-EU trade deal

Oct 21, 2016 | 4:00 PM

OTTAWA — Some of what was said Friday about the Canada-EU trade agreement known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, which appeared close to collapse Friday after talks broke down with a region of Belgium that’s blocking the deal:

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“I personally have worked very hard, but it is now evident to me — evident to Canada — that the European Union is incapable of reaching an agreement, even with a country with European values such as Canada, even with a country as nice and as patient as Canada.” — International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, after walking out of talks Friday in Belgium.

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“I think it’s impossible. We’ve decided to return home. I’m really, really sad. Truly.” — Freeland.

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“Roll up your sleeves and don’t leave.” — Conservative trade critic Gerry Ritz to Freeland.

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“Now it’s up to the Europeans to decide.” — David Lametti, Freeland’s parliamentary secretary.

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“I applaud the Wallonian regional parliament for standing firmly against this bad deal. In its current form, CETA will increase pharmaceutical costs and hurt farmers, manufacturing sectors, and Canadian sovereignty.” — Green party Leader Elizabeth May.

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“It’s the rule rather than the exception to have unforeseen circumstances come up at the end of negotiations.” — Former Quebec premier Jean Charest.

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“Right now, short-sighted protectionism is winning out.” — Perrin Beatty, president, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

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“Europe cannot be held hostage because of internal political games in the Walloon region.” — Manfred Weber, leader of the Christian Democrats, the biggest group in the European parliament.

The Canadian Press