Forty of Canada’s top agriculture groups sent a strong message to the Senate to reject Bill C-282
Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282.
Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).
"This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s trade negotiators and putting key elements of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in jeopardy ahead of the 2026 review. Industry leaders warn it could disrupt trade, jobs, and stability across sectors," says Hana Sabah, Communications Consultant with theCanadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) in her communications with the media.
According to the letter sent to Senators, in 2023, trilateral merchandise trade under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) reached a remarkable $1.93 trillion, highlighting the agreement's pivotal role in driving Canada’s economic growth. As the backbone of integrated North American economies and supply chains, CUSMA provides a vital framework for Canada’s trade relations with its southern neighbors.
The agreement ensures that Canadian businesses maintain preferential access to U.S. and Mexican markets while benefiting from robust trade rules. This competitive advantage enables Canadian companies to export goods and services efficiently, fostering a climate of competitiveness and supporting job creation across the country.
In addition to enhancing trade relations, CUSMA modernizes several critical areas, including digital trade, intellectual property, and environmental standards. These updates empower Canadian firms to innovate and operate more effectively in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Moreover, CUSMA strengthens Canada’s supply chains, promoting collaboration across various industries. By providing stability and predictability in trade regulations, the agreement allows Canadian businesses to plan for the future with confidence, encouraging further investment and expansion.
However, potential legislative changes could jeopardize these advancements. If Bill C-282 is enacted, it could significantly restrict Canada’s trade negotiators, hindering their ability to engage effectively with trading partners on essential issues.
Critics warn that this legislation might undermine critical provisions within CUSMA, such as the dispute settlement chapter, rules of origin, and labor standards.
As Canada navigates these challenges, the importance of CUSMA in solidifying its position in North America and enhancing global trade prospects remains clear. The agreement not only contributes to the nation’s immediate economic resilience but also lays the groundwork for long-term stability in an evolving trade landscape.
The agriculture groups fear the following elements of CUSMA will be put at risk:
- The dispute settlement chapter
- Rules of Origin
- Labour standards and provisions
- Environment Commitments
- Provisions governing trade in energy
- Government procurement
- intellectual property
The letter is signed by the following organizations:
- Alberta Beef Producers
- Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association
- Alberta Chambers of Commerce
- Alberta Grains
- Alberta Pulse Growers
- BC Association of Cattle Feeders
- BC Grain Producers Association
- Beef Farmers of Ontario
- British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association
- Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
- Canadian Canola Growers Association
- Canadian Cattle Association
- Canadian Oilseed Processors Association
- Canadian Pork Council
- Canadian Sugar Institute
- Canola Council of Canada
- Cereals Canada
- Fertilizer Canada
- Grain Farmers of Ontario
- Grain Growers of Canada
- Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- Pulse Canada
- Manitoba Beef Producers
- Manitoba Canola Growers Association
- Manitoba Crop Alliance
- Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
- National Cattle Feeders’ Association
- New Brunswick Cattle Producers
- Nova Scotia Cattle Producers
- Ontario Bean Growers
- Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
- Prairie Oat Growers Association
- Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers
- Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association
- Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
- Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
- Saskatchewan Trucking Association
- Sask Oil seeds
- Sask Wheat
- Soy Canada
- Wheat Growers Association