Bill C-202 is now in the Senate’s hands
MPs introduced and passed a bill in the House of Commons to protect supply management in future trade negotiations in one week.
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet introduced Bill C-202 on May 29.
The proposed legislation amends the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to prevent the minister of foreign affairs making commitments related to dairy, poultry, or eggs in trade talks.
While tabling the bill, Blanchet reminded the House of Bill C-282 from the previous Parliament which had similar language.
The bill received support from all parties in the House and was the subject of multiple debates and amendments in the Senate, but it never became law.
On June 5, Bill C-202 went through its second reading, consideration in committee, report stage, and third reading, without debate.
The bill is again in the hands of senators.
Some members of the Canadian ag sector oppose the bill.
This legislation represents protectionism when Canada should be looking to expand trade opportunities, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance says.
“We should be strengthening trade diversification and opening new markets for Canadian goods, not sending a message that Canada’s approach is one of protectionism,” the organization said in a June 9 statement. “It is essential to avoid allowing political imperatives take us away from our national interest, which is to deepen our trading relationships.”
Some producers feel the bill pits farmers against one another.
Grain farmers, who aren’t protected by supply management, could suffer from decreased trade if the bill passes.
“Canadian grain farmers produce some of the world’s highest-quality wheat, canola, and other crops, with over 80% of our production exported annually. Any policy that restricts trade or signals protectionism risks retaliatory tariffs and market barriers, directly harming our ability to compete,” Daryl Fransoo, a Sask. farmer and chair of the Wheat Growers Association, said on X on June 6.
The Liberals have promised to protect supply management.
The party mentioned it in its election platform.
And it was included in May 27’s throne speech.
This came during a section of the speech about building a united Canada.
“During this time of great change, Canadians are uniting behind what makes Canada unique,” King Charles read.
“The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much. Canada is a country that respects and celebrates its official languages and Indigenous languages. The government is determined to protect the institutions that bring these cultures and this identity to the world, like CBC/Radio-Canada. It will protect the people who give us access to fresh, healthy and quality food: agricultural producers. And it will protect supply management."