There’s a reason why Canada pursues a seemingly contradictory position in World Trade Organization talks; one that favours protectionism for those products that need it and freer trade for those that could benefit from that: it reflects divisions in Canada’s
agricultural community itself.
As negotiators and politicians from up to 148 countries gather in Hong Kong this week for what many consider a crucial WTO meeting, many of those conflicting interests will be on display. Ottawa reporter Barry Wilson is in Hong Kong and provides this special report on the state of play as talks are held that could sharply affect Canadian farmers.