Provincial cattle representatives express disappointment in political support for Bill C-282

Provincial cattle organizations are disappointed in the show of support for Bill C-282, and are urging policymakers to stand up for free trade.

A significant rally took place on Parliament Hill October 10, 2024, in support of Bill C-282, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (Supply Management). The event saw participation from various agricultural associations and  all political parties.

“Supply management was initiated by a Liberal government just over 50 years ago. Then, we supported supply management, and today, we support supply management,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence MacAulay. MacAulay urged the Senate to pass Bill C-282.

Bill C-282 has completed three readings in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in the Senate committee. The Bill seeks to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Act to ensure that the Minister cannot make international trade commitments that would increase tariff rate quotes or reduce tariffs on dairy, poultry, and eggs beyond the set limits.

The National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and canola associations were among those who appeared to provide their insights during the committee sessions this week. The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) members observed the rally before heading to committee meetings to support witnesses. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is scheduled to testify after the upcoming break week, further contributing to the discussions surrounding the bill.

Bill C-282 aims to strengthen supply management systems, ensuring stability and fair pricing for dairy, poultry, and egg farmers across Canada. However, the Bill has faced criticism from various agricultural sectors.

On October 8, 2024, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Pork, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, and Team Alberta Crops wrote a letter to Matt Jones, Minister of Alberta Jobs, Economy, and Trade, expressing deep concerns over the Bill, which prioritizes the economic interests of a specific sector while potentially harming other export-driven industries, particularly in Alberta. They say the Bill, which restricts trade negotiators from discussing supply-managed sectors like dairy, poultry, and eggs, will negatively impact the 90 per cent of farmers who rely on trade.

On October 11, 2024, provincial organizations including including British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Manitoba Beef Producers, Beef Farmers of Ontario, New Brunswick Cattle Producers, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, and Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers, released a joint statement expressing surprise and disappointment at the cross-party support for Bill C-282, criticizing the bill for undermining the interests of Canada’s agri-food industry and export-dependent sectors. The organizations agree Bill C-282, which restricts trade negotiations involving supply-managed sectors, threatens vital trade relationships and sets a dangerous precedent.

Bill C-282 also threatens the long-term sustainability of the agriculture industry and could weaken Canada’s position in international trade negotiations. This is particularly significant with the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in 2026.

The bill is also concerning as it fosters a protectionist sentiment, undermining Canada’s leadership role in global forums such as the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and other trade-dependent sectors argue that the Bill marginalizes broader agriculture, which relies heavily on exports. In 2023 alone, Alberta exported $17.9 billion in agriculture and agri-food products, with more than 50 per cent of Alberta’s beef being exported. Other commodities like pulse and canola export over 90 per cent of their production.

Brodie Haugan, Chair of ABP, says Bill C-282 poses a significant threat to Canada’s trade-dependent economy.

“As a nation that relies heavily on exports, this bill undermines our ability to negotiate effectively on the international stage and sets a dangerous protectionist precedent. We urge the Senate committee to recognize the broader economic implications and work together to ensure that common sense prevails.”

Doug Roxburgh, Vice Chair of ABP, adds, “this legislation prioritizes the interests of one sector at the expense of the entire Canadian economy. With over half of our GDP dependent on trade, it is crucial that we protect our ability to engage in fair and open trade negotiations.”

ABP is urging the federal government and the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and International Trade, to recognize the extensive implications that Bill C-282 could have, not only on agriculture but also on Canada’s broader economic interests.

The Committee needs to hear from more trade-dependent industries and recognize the complexity of this bill and its wide-ranging ramifications.