Dairy, egg and poultry producers say their sectors are at risk if Bill C-282 isn’t passed in its original form
REGINA — Supply managed sectors say they’re disappointed with amendments to Bill C-282.
The Senate foreign affairs committee earlier this month agreed in a 10-3 vote to changes that they say made the bill meaningless.
The private member’s bill calls for dairy, egg and poultry production to be protected in future trade negotiations but the changes mean it wouldn’t apply to existing and renegotiated agreements or those currently in negotiation.
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federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
In the last three agreements with Europe, North America and the TransPacific, Canada increased market access to those industries and consequently is paying billions in compensation. The government has committed $4.8 billion to farmers and processors.
During its deliberations, the committee was told the bill was bad trade policy because it tied negotiators’ hands. Canadian agriculture is overwhelmingly export dependent. For example, 90 per cent of canola production leaves the country.
But the five organizations representing farmers in the supply managed system called the amendments heavy handed.
A statement from the Egg Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada and Canadian Hatching Egg Producers said the bill would safeguard farmers and ensure a stable and predictable supply of food.
“We urge senators to reject the committee amendments and support Bill C-282 in its original form,” they said.
The bill will go to the Senate as a whole and face more scrutiny. It could be amended again and then would go back to the House of Commons for third reading.
Time is running out for that, however, as the Bloc Quebecois has said the original C-282 must be passed in order for it to maintain its support of the minority Liberal government.
Both houses were on a break last week but government business has been at a standstill for weeks due to Conservative delaying tactics.
Another consideration is the new Trump administration south of the border and what that might mean for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance said it welcomed the amendments because the original bill would have posed a direct threat to the sector.
Ninety per cent of Canadian farmers rely on trade, CAFTA said.
