CALGARY, AB: The Western Canadian Wheat Growers strongly condemns Bill C-216 which seeks to remove supply management terms from the negotiation of future trade agreements.
“The vast majority of Canada’s agriculture sector is exported to feed the world. This bill will tie our negotiating hands and will result in further trade disputes with countries around the world,” said Gunter Jochum, President.
The Federal Government claims that it wants to increase Canadian agriculture exports from $55B in 2015 to at least $85B by 2025. This 55% increase is attainable if the Federal Government supports the agriculture sector, but not if our trade agreements are limited or constantly being challenged at the WTO or ignored all together.
All Members of Parliament and the federal parties should be extremely concerned with Bill C-216 and in full opposition. To say they are in favour of C-216 as well as free trade is hypocritical.
“If Canada is to be recognized as a trading nation, we cannot create scenarios that hurt our ability to export. The supply management industries have been well protected in the past, taking note of the entrepreneurial approach by the grains and oilseed sector would help them reach new and growing markets,” closed Daryl Fransoo, Chair.
About the Wheat Growers:
The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is a voluntary farmer-run advocacy organization dedicated to developing public policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming, and the agricultural industry as a whole. The 50th anniversary book, “Warriors For Wheat” is available to purchase online.
For more information, please visit wheatgrowers.ca.
For More Information Contact:
Dave Quist, Executive Director
587-224-7221
dquist@wheatgrowers.ca