ABP strongly opposed to UK accession to CPTPP

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is standing with the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Cattle Association, and the Canadian Meat Council in opposition to the Government of Canada’s agreement to include the United Kingdom (UK) in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Under current trade agreements, the UK does not accept Canada’s animal health and meat inspection systems and measures, and thus their doors are essentially closed to Canadian beef.

“Canada’s bilateral trade with the United Kingdom unfairly disadvantages the Canadian beef industry. If the UK does not accept Canada’s rigorous and safe meat inspection system, it leaves no viable market access for Canadian beef—and no free trade,” said ABP General Manager Brad Dubeau.

The UK’s current position is not in line with the CPTPP’s key principle—open and free trade. As well, their decision to distrust Canada’s food safety system is not based on scientific principles.

Along with other industry groups, ABP is asking the federal government to ensure the Canadian/United Kingdom bilateral agreement sees fair access and reciprocal trade.

“A Canadian/United Kingdom bilateral agreement must guarantee fair access for Canadian beef. If it doesn’t, we urge Parliament to prioritize open trade and vote against the UK’s ascension into CPTPP,” said ABP Chair Brodie Haugan.

If Parliament fails to uphold the trade standards of CPTPP and votes in favour of the UK’s accession, it must provide compensation to beef and pork producers and processors for the damages and losses that result.

“The Government of Canada has compensated industries with market access concessions through unfair trade deals in the past,” said Sheila Hillmer, ABP Vice Chair. “If CPTPP moves forward without full reciprocity between the United Kingdom and Canada, Parliament will need to provide compensation again – this time to beef and pork producers and processors.”

The UK has exported more than 7,000 tonnes of beef into Canada in the past two years, valued at almost C$40 million to Canada, while Canada has exported only 657 tonnes in 2021 and zero in 2022.