The Canadian beef industry exports approximately fifty percent of what we produce and gains C$ 1,044 per head by selling in international markets. Free and open trade has been essential to the growth and prosperity of Canada. Bill C-282: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) proposes preventing the Minister of Foreign Affairs from increasing the tariff rate quota or reducing tariffs on supply management goods in trade negotiations. On February 8, 2023, Bill C-282 passed to second reading at the House of Commons. It will now move to the House Standing Committee in International Trade (CIIT).
Bill C-282 threatens the ability for Canada to negotiate current and new free trade agreements. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), as a member of the Canadian Agri-Food Alliance (CAFTA), strongly opposes Bill C-282. Given that this bill is detrimental to all Canadian industries who benefit from trade, CCA and CAFTA are working with other like-minded stakeholders across industries to oppose this legislation.
Through Bill C-282, Canada will lose leverage in trade negotiations right from the beginning which will result in less meaningful trade outcomes for all economic sectors. Trade negotiations work by compromise and negotiation, coming to the table with no room for compromise while handcuffing our trade negotiators will inevitably lead to poor trade negotiations. This bill also contradicts our stance as a trade dependent country. Trade supports 1 out of 6 jobs and accounting for 61.4% of Canada’s GDP.
This legislation prioritizes the economic interests of certain sectors above the economic interests of all other sectors of the Canadian economy. Bill C-282 also sets a dangerous precedent. To date, there is no other legislation like Bill C-282, mainly a law that protects the interests of a specific sector in trade negotiations. However, this bill could greatly incentivize our trade partners to adopt similar legislation. If our partners follow a similar path, Canada’s access to international markets will be diminished.
Canada has been able to successfully conclude 15 trade agreements that cover 51 countries while protecting Canadian interests. Therefore, Bill C-282 is unnecessary, and ultimately, detrimental to all industries who depend on imports and exports for their growth and profitability.
See below, CAFTA's Statement on Bill C-282 Passing Second Reading:
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