The controversial Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between B.C. and Alberta was not debated in the legislature before it came into effect on April 1.

However, GVRD directors will get to question B.C. Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen when he gives a presentation to them on Friday (July 27). Municipalities become subject to TILMA provisions in 2009 unless they obtain an exemption.

Karen Levitt , the city's manager of financial planning, suggested in a report that TILMA could contribute to a stronger local economy. She also suggested that TILMA could restrict council's "local autonomy" and possibly lead to "increased administrative costs associated with complying" with the agreement.

In an April 24 interview with the Straight , Ellen Gould , a researcher for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said she believes that unless the City of Vancouver obtains an exemption, the Vancouver Charter will not be sufficient to prevent the city being potentially in violation of the agreement's provisions.