(Nov 12, 2024, Ottawa, ON) — Canadian agri-food producers applaud the Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee for recommending amendment of Bill C-282 so that it not apply to existing trade agreements or those being renegotiated or currently under negotiation.

“CAFTA has repeatedly called on the Senate to reject C-282, which 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,” said Greg Northey, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “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.

“Senator Peter Harder, with his depth of international trade experience, has worked with other Committee members to underline the dangers of C-282,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “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.”

For more information and to take action, visit KeepCanadaTrading.ca.

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