The new free-trade debate - Could a China deal be the next NAFTA?

Former Liberal leader John Turner predicted in the 1988 federal election debate that the free-trade deal then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney had negotiated with the U.S. would "reduce us, I'm sure, to a colony of the United States."

Mulroney went on to win that election and implement the trade agreement, despite Turner's warning that "when the economic levers go, the political independence is sure to follow."

Despite strong feelings on trade with Canada's longtime neighbour and ally more than two decades ago, Turner declined to comment, when reached by phone, on the prospect of free trade with China - something that was raised last week as Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with officials in China.

"I read the agreements, so I knew something about it," Turner said of free trade with the U.S. "I'm not too familiar on what's happening here," he said of discussions with China.

Agreements were announced last week that would increase the trade of oil, uranium and other goods between Canada and China.

As well, there were indications China is interested in a more universal trade pact with Canada, though Trade Minister Ed Fast had this to say on that prospect: "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here."

MP's job 'isn't worth anything any more,' ex-prime minister says

In a wide-ranging discussion, John Turner, 82, spoke candidly about the people and issues that marked his tenure in politics from the 1960s through the 1980s. Notably, it was on the subject of how politics has changed - for the worse - that Turner was most emphatic. Mark Kennedy reports

The Canadian political system needs a fundamental "renewal" to restore public faith in politicians and encourage young people to run for office, says former prime minister John Turner.

"We've got to get a revival, a renewal, of the whole political process," Turner told Postmedia News. "We need a whole new generation in there. We need a restoration of parliamentary decorum, and a dedication to making public life more important."

Turner's comments come as a new book about his political career is about to hit the book stores later this week.

The book, Elusive Destiny, is written by Carleton University historian Paul Litt.