40 Agriculture Groups Urge Senate to Reject Bill C-282

Oct 31, 2024
By Denise Faguy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Forty of Canada’s top agriculture groups sent a strong message to the Senate to reject Bill C-282

Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282.

Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).

"This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s trade negotiators and putting key elements of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in jeopardy ahead of the 2026 review. Industry leaders warn it could disrupt trade, jobs, and stability across sectors," says Hana Sabah, Communications Consultant with theCanadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) in her communications with the media.

According to the letter sent to Senators, in 2023, trilateral merchandise trade under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) reached a remarkable $1.93 trillion, highlighting the agreement's pivotal role in driving Canada’s economic growth. As the backbone of integrated North American economies and supply chains, CUSMA provides a vital framework for Canada’s trade relations with its southern neighbors.

The agreement ensures that Canadian businesses maintain preferential access to U.S. and Mexican markets while benefiting from robust trade rules. This competitive advantage enables Canadian companies to export goods and services efficiently, fostering a climate of competitiveness and supporting job creation across the country.

In addition to enhancing trade relations, CUSMA modernizes several critical areas, including digital trade, intellectual property, and environmental standards. These updates empower Canadian firms to innovate and operate more effectively in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Moreover, CUSMA strengthens Canada’s supply chains, promoting collaboration across various industries. By providing stability and predictability in trade regulations, the agreement allows Canadian businesses to plan for the future with confidence, encouraging further investment and expansion.

However, potential legislative changes could jeopardize these advancements. If Bill C-282 is enacted, it could significantly restrict Canada’s trade negotiators, hindering their ability to engage effectively with trading partners on essential issues.

Critics warn that this legislation might undermine critical provisions within CUSMA, such as the dispute settlement chapter, rules of origin, and labor standards.

As Canada navigates these challenges, the importance of CUSMA in solidifying its position in North America and enhancing global trade prospects remains clear. The agreement not only contributes to the nation’s immediate economic resilience but also lays the groundwork for long-term stability in an evolving trade landscape.

The agriculture groups fear the following elements of CUSMA will be put at risk:

The dispute settlement chapter
Rules of Origin
Labour standards and provisions
Environment Commitments
Provisions governing trade in energy
Government procurement
intellectual property

The letter is signed by the following organizations:

Alberta Beef Producers
Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Alberta Grains
Alberta Pulse Growers
BC Association of Cattle Feeders
BC Grain Producers Association
Beef Farmers of Ontario
British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
Canadian Canola Growers Association
Canadian Cattle Association
Canadian Oilseed Processors Association
Canadian Pork Council
Canadian Sugar Institute
Canola Council of Canada
Cereals Canada
Fertilizer Canada
Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Growers of Canada
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Pulse Canada
Manitoba Beef Producers
Manitoba Canola Growers Association
Manitoba Crop Alliance
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
National Cattle Feeders’ Association
New Brunswick Cattle Producers
Nova Scotia Cattle Producers
Ontario Bean Growers
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Prairie Oat Growers Association
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers
Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association
Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Saskatchewan Trucking Association
Sask Oil seeds
Sask Wheat
Soy Canada
Wheat Growers Association

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