Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), issued the statement below following the announcement of a Canada-UK Continuity Trade Agreement:
“For some Canadian agri-food exporters, this interim agreement preserves existing market access to the UK during a period of transition. Our members welcome the temporary certainty and stability this provides for these sectors, and we look forward to assessing the agreement further when the full text is made available. We call on Parliamentarians to work together and pass this agreement before the end of the year.
“However, for other agri-food exporters, a transitional arrangement simply reinforces a situation that remains unacceptable under CETA due to the persistence of trade obstacles that continue to hinder Canadian exports.
“That is why we are urging both parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible in order to reach a comprehensive and more ambitious pact that removes tariffs and non-tariff barriers, provides liberal rules of origin and creates a level playing that will enable increased trade and deliver commercially viable two-way growth for agri-food.
“A transitional agreement is a welcome stop gap measure but it is not enough. The best way to show the world that free and open trade can protect the economy now and support recovery is by negotiating and concluding an actual meaningful free trade agreement that enables viable growth for agri-food and generates significant benefits for both sides.”
Click here to see more...