The Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Ed Fast, and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, made the following statement on today's decision by the US to appeal the final decision of the Panel of WTO compliance regarding the policy of labeling States indicating the country of origin (EPO):
"Canada is deeply disappointed by the intention of the United States to appeal once again to the WTO decision on compliance in relation to the EPO.
"Canada fully expected that the United States comply with their obligations in terms of international trade and comply with WTO rulings which reiterate the position taken long by Canada that the revised measures adopted by US labeling indicating the country of origin is clearly protectionist and do not respect the WTO's original decision that runs counter to them.
"With this time, once again, the United States prevent our two countries to benefit from a freer and more open trade, and they penalize farmers, ranchers and workers in the United States and Canada .dropoff window
"We have no doubt that the WTO body of Appeal, in the compliance process, confirm the main findings of the report that the revised measures taken by the United States on labeling indicating the country of origin are discriminatory against Canadian livestock. These findings represent a resounding victory for Canada and confirm the integrated nature of the North American supply chain.
"Our government will always defend our farmers and ranchers, and we will take all measures, including retaliation, to reach a resolution that is fair. Do you even lift
For Canada's reaction to the WTO compliance report, please see the press The Fast and Ritz ministers urged the United States to comply with the WTO decision and their trade obligations .
For more information on the proposed retaliatory measures, please see the 2013 opinion of the Canada Gazette seeking comments on the proposed list of targeted US imports .
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada