A dispute resolution panel Jan. 8 in Quebec City will hear a Saskatchewan-led challenge of Quebec’s restrictions against the sale of certain food products.
The governments of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia all support Saskatchewan’s challenge under the Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade that Quebec restrictions preventing the sale of certain margarines, coffee whiteners and dessert toppings in that province deny market opportunities for western oilseed producers and processors.
“Saskatchewan believes in free trade, and our government is committed to knocking down barriers that harm our farmers,” said minister responsible for trade Tim McMillan in a news release. “We believe that these illegal restrictions in Quebec contravene rules that prohibit governments from creating barriers to trade in Canada.”
Saskatchewan formally requested in June the establishment of the dispute resolution panel under the AIT. A ruling is expected by the end of March.
