The bill passed with 262 votes in support
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A bill designed to remove supply management from any future trade deals passed its third vote in the House of Commons.
Bill C-282, introduced by the Bloc’s Luc Thériault in June 2022, received 262 votes in favour on June 21 compared to 51 votes against.
MPs who voted in favour of the bill included Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Agriculture Critic Alistair MacGregor.
Canada’s supply-managed sectors are pleased MPs supported the bill and encourage senators to do the same once the bill arrives in the red chamber on June 22.
“Enacting Bill C-282 into law will not only strengthen and protect Canada’s essential system of supply management; it will present the opportunity to champion growth within Canada’s agricultural sector, and support thousands of jobs and economic activity across our country,” Dairy Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada and other related organizations said in a June 22 statement.
Some ag groups, however, are likely unhappy with the result of the June 21 vote.
On June 20, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), whose members include the Canadian Cattle Association, Cereals Canada and the Canola Council of Canada, urged MPs to vote against Bill C-282.
Supporting this bill could prove harmful to Canada if trading partners are turned away because access to Canada’s dairy market is a non-starter.
“The passage of this bill provides no tangible benefits to Canadians while risking our economic growth, international reputation, and key trading relationships-both current and future,” CAFTA President Dan Darling said in a June 20 statement.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture voiced its support for the legislation in February.