Canadian Cattle Association urges Senate to reject Bill C-202

On June 5, 2025, the Bloc Quebecois introduced Bill C-202 An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). Bill C-202 is exactly the same as Bill C-282 that CCA and others spoke swiftly and harshly against last year.

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is deeply troubled by the unanimous decision to send Bill C-202 to the Senate in a new Parliament without consulting affected stakeholders. We are extremely concerned that the bill is being fast-tracked with no consultation and no debate.

Since the bill was fast tracked to the Senate due to unanimous consent in the House of Commons, CCA submitted a letter to Senators on Monday, June 16. There are Senators who will speak to it at third reading, and we’ve provided information about why we oppose the bill.

Bill C-202, as Bill C-282 before it and Bill C-216 before that, undermines Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner and threatens our credibility at a time of growing global uncertainty. At a time when Canada should be focused on strengthening trade diversification and opening new markets for Canadian goods, we should not be sending a message that Canada’s approach is one of protectionism nor pitting Canadian sectors against each other.

Tyler Fulton, President of the CCCA, says with our export economy, Canada has worked tirelessly to promote open and rules-based trade in bilateral and international discussions.

“Bill C-202 represents a profound change in that approach. The Canadian Cattle Association calls on senators to stand up for Canada’s economy, food production, and farmers and ranchers,” says Fulton.

Trade is not a political game and Bill C-202 is not about supply management. Bill C-202 at its core, is bad trade policy. Passing Bill C-202 would result in Canada being viewed as a leader in protectionist measures and putting our entire trade-based economy at risk.