Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel-winning economist from Columbia University, says Canada should turn down the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal.

In a speech at a University of Ottawa conference on the Pacific Rim trade agreement, he said it’s flawed and benefits big business at the expense of working people.

Stiglitz believe it would cost Canada jobs and weaken Ottawa’s ability to make regulations, including those meant to protect the environment.

The Commons trade committee is looking at the TPP which includes the U.S. and Japan and covers nearly half the world economy.

International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland has said the review could take up to nine months.

After that she’s promised that only a vote in Parliament would ratify the deal that was negotiated under the Harper government.

She points out signing the 12-country treaty in February was just a ”technical step” that does not mean ratification.