canada has to ratify the deal first, remember. signing it doesn't take away the house's ability to reject it, although it may make it a little harder. and, we actually have several trade deals awaiting ratification.

it would obviously be nice if they give us a chance to read it beforehand. and, i think that's what harper would like to avoid. his optimal strategy is to sign the deal the day of the election, so that the details don't get leaked and the opposition parties get stuck with it.

if the ndp votes to ratify the document, it's going to be an instant cleavage of support. but, they've been signalling that they will. tossing that on mulcair's lap from the get-go and then forcing a quick election could hurt the ndp pretty terribly.

understand this: if the ndp get a minority, one of the first things they will need to do is ratify this agreement. that's an almost existential quandary, immediately facing them as their first decision. there's almost nothing they can do that won't fracture them.

ipolitics.ca/2015/09/23/canada-negotiating-tpp-as-if-theres-no-election-new-zealand-trade-minister/