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Ritz Says Canada Will Retaliate If US Ignores Latest COOL Ruling

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says he expects that the US will appeal the latest ruling on country of origin labelling.
 
Ritz notes he's had discussions with US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, but says that Vilsack is keeping his cards close to his vest.
 
Ritz says if Canada decides to enforce a retaliatory list on US products, the goal would be to gain political leverage.
 
"It's not a static list," he said. "We can add to it; we can subtract from it depending on what's required. This is a political leverage list, and I won't be shy about saying that. This is to make sure that Kentucky understands their bourbon will be attached, California understands their wine will be attached; and that means congressmen and senators from those two states will recognize the hurt that is going to happen to their constituents."
 
The World Trade Organization recently ruled in favour of Canada in regards to US country of origin meat labelling rules, stating that the US is discriminating against exports from Canada and Mexico.
 

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