NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – Canada has requested a World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel to resolve a six-year dispute with South Korea over its refusal to allow imports of Canadian beef.
Federal cabinet ministers last week were confidently predicting a Canadian victory, although it could take several years to complete the process.
“We know Canadian beef can meet the highest quality and safety standards in the world and we know the WTO will rule in Canada’s favour,” agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said July 10, following a federal-provincial ministers’ meeting.
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In a later interview, he said the fact that Canada has carried through with its threat to go to the WTO might lead the Koreans to negotiate an end to the dispute.
Canada has been trying to get the Korean border open since it was closed in May 2003 after BSE was discovered.
“They will play hard on trade,” Ritz said. “They do believe in saving face and they do believe in honouring their commitments. Once it comes to a WTO panel, I know they will look hard and fast and see how serious we are. I’m hopeful we can negotiate this sooner rather than later.”
Ritz said the decision by ministers to authorize creation of a national livestock traceability and age verification system by 2011 might help convince the Koreans to give Canada “an inside track into that market.”
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association issued a statement praising the WTO appeal. “The CCA commends the government for taking this next step as it clearly shows the government’s commitment to reopening major markets for Canadian beef and defending our producers.”
