Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall, on behalf of his western Canadian counterparts, will send a letter to U.S. legislators urging repeal of country-of-origin legislation.
Premiers of the western provinces and territories met for their annual meeting by teleconference June 1. Trade and the economy dominated discussion.
Alberta premier Rachel Notley did not attend because swearing-in ceremonies for new MLAs were happening at the same time.
Wall, who hosted the meeting, said premiers support the federal government’s intention to retaliate through sanctions if the US does not comply with the recent World Trade Organization ruling.
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He said it appears American legislators recognize they must repeal the legislation or face the anger of those industries that will be targeted by the sanctions. The gains for the western pork, beef and poultry sectors will be important to the region’s economy.
“Premiers have asked that I, as the host of the meeting, send a letter to the decision-makers both in the Senate and in the House urging the repeal of COOL,” he said.
While the United States remains a significant market for western exporters the premiers noted their support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the trade deal with Europe and increasing trade with China and India.
B.C. is the least dependent on the U.S. market, followed by Saskatchewan.
Premier Christie Clark said 40 percent of that province’s products now go to Asia. Exports to China have risen from two to 20 percent.
“That’s the answer I think to low commodity markets,” she said of diversified markets.
The premiers also discussed internal trade issues. Trade ministers from all provinces have been working on a plan to reduce barriers and conclude an agreement by March 2016.
“The western premiers are hopeful that progress being made on internal trade culminates in a very specific announcement we can make around one particular area at the premiers’ summer meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Wall.
At the same time, they want the federal government to move.
“They haven’t been quite as responsive when it comes to very specific barriers that actually relate to federal government regulation and federal government legislation,” Wall said.
“We in turn would like them to do their part in areas where they have jurisdiction.”
A backgrounder document noted that more than 80 federal entities are not included in the national Agreement on Internal Trade. It also said nearly half the value of all federal procurement has been excluded from the AIT’s requirement for open procurement.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included infrastructure — all agreed they need more money from Ottawa, the ongoing Canadian Transportation Agency review, which they hope will result in a more competitive, transparent system, and climate change.
They also agreed they want Ottawa to reconsider its recent decision to change disaster financial assistance arrangements. The changes will put more onus on the provinces to pay the costs of floods and forest fires.
“We agreed that the federal government’s devolution of the funding for disaster assistance to the provinces and territories doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Wall said. “One of the strengths of a federation is when one region is undergoing significant stress because of a natural disaster that there is a national response.”
Manitoba and Saskatchewan also discussed water and drainage issues.
Wall said he expects Water Security Agency officials to have recommendations to cabinet, including an arrangement with Manitoba, this month.
Manitoba premier Greg Selinger noted the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative, which includes the two provinces and North Dakota, is also working hard to resolve water issues.
B.C. will host next year’s meeting.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
