By Alice McFarlane

Canadian Agri-Food applaud Senate efforts on a bill to protect trade

Nov 14, 2024 | 4:18 PM

The Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee is seeking adjustments in a trade bill.

The committee recommended an amendment of Bill C-282 so that it does not apply to existing trade agreements or those being renegotiated or currently under negotiation.

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance president Greg Northey said they have repeatedly called on the Senate to reject C-282.

“It poses a direct threat to Canada’s agri-food sector, our trade relationships and the thousands of farmers and their families that rely on open access to global markets to make a living,” Northey said. “The Senate Committee has recognized the threat to our sector by recommending an amendment that protects our core interests in the North American and other key trading relationships.”

Ninety percent of Canadian farmers depend on trade to sell their commodities. If passed, Bill C-282 would curtail Canada’s flexibility in trade negotiations, resulting in lost market opportunities and weakened access to export markets, according to CAFTA.

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CAFTA Executive Director Michael Harvey said Senator Peter Harder has worked with other Committee members to underline the dangers of C-282.

“His proposed amendment removes risk from Canada`s relationship with key trading partners including the US. We continue to think the Bill should be rejected, but the amendment significantly reduces the risk that our country simply cannot afford in the current international environment,” Harvey said.

For more information is available at KeepCanadaTrading.ca.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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