ABP stands in opposition to UK accession to CPTPP

July 19, 2023 – 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). 

The UK’s current position against Canada’s animal health and meat inspection systems and thus Canadian beef is not in line with the CPTPP’s key principle – open trade. This restriction is also in direct conflict with the CPTPP’s chapter on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as the decision to distrust Canada’s food safety system is not based on scientific principles, is more trade restrictive than necessary, and is a disguised restriction on trade. 

Including the UK in the CPTPP with its current barriers to free trade sets a disappointing precedent for future negotiations. 

If Parliament fails to uphold the trade standards of CPTPP and votes in favour of the UK’s accession, it must compensate for the damages and losses that result. 

Quotes 

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. 

 Brad Dubeau, General Manager, Alberta Beef Producers 

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 accession into CPTPP.

Brodie Haugan, Chair, Alberta Beef Producers. 

The Government of Canada has compensated industries with market access concessions through unfair trade deals in the past. 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.

Sheila Hillmer, Vice Chair, Alberta Beef Producers 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Debra Murphy
ABP Stakeholder Relations Manager