Farmers warn against limits on Canada’s trade and growth
Canadian agri-food producers and industry leaders will raise their concerns on Parliament Hill regarding Bill C-282, a bill they warn could limit Canada’s ability to negotiate essential trade agreements. If passed, this legislation would undermine Canada’s agri-food sector by restricting access to global markets, destabilizing local economies, and putting trade-dependent jobs at risk.
Bill C-282 is a private members bill supported by the Bloc Québécois.
Canadian agriculture leaders say itthreatens the Canadian agri-food sector by limiting access to essential international markets. With 90% of farmers relying on trade and over half of Canada’s GDP dependent on it, this legislation risks undermining Canada’s competitive edge.
Furthermore, as the 2026 Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review approaches, Bill C-282 could hinder Canada’s negotiating power in critical trade agreements.
Canadian agri-food producers and industry leaders have expressed strong opposition to Bill C-282, which they believe could harm Canada’s ability to negotiate essential trade agreements.
Set to be discussed on Parliament Hill, this bill is being criticized for its potential impact on the Canadian agri-food sector.
Producers argue that it could reduce their access to international markets, destabilize local economies, and risk trade-dependent jobs.
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), led by President Greg Northey, who also serves as Vice President of Pulse Canada, has taken a clear stand against Bill C-282.
"Trade is crucial for achieving sustainable development and improving global food security," said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. "Our Principles for Sustainable Trade provide a foundation for maintaining economic growth and productivity through open, rules-based trade while ensuring positive sustainability outcomes. Canadian farmers, processors and exporters grow our economy through trade. It's essential that sustainability measures do not become barriers to fairer and freer international agri-food trade or serve as cover for protectionist trade policies."
To support their cause, CAFTA has launched the website KeepCanadaTrading.ca, which encourages farmers and everyday Canadians to voice their concerns by sending letters directly to Senators, urging them to vote against the bill.
The opposition to Bill C-282 comes at a critical time. The upcoming 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will require Canada to maintain a strong negotiating position to protect its interests in trade with neighbouring countries.
Leaders from the agri-food industry worry that this bill could weaken Canada’s leverage in these discussions, potentially leading to unfavourable outcomes in future agreements.
"We must ensure that our efforts to promote sustainability do not inadvertently create barriers or excessive burdens," said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. "By aligning our policies with international trade agreements and encouraging innovation, we can ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for agri-food trade worldwide."
Scheduled for today, October 30, 2024, this event will provide a platform for Canadian agri-food representatives to present their concerns.
They are urging the Senate to consider the broader implications of Bill C-282 and its possible effects on Canada’s competitive edge in the global market.
The Canadian agri-food sector emphasizes that Bill C-282 could impact Canada’s ability to access critical trade markets and maintain a stable economy. Agri-food leaders are hopeful that their efforts on Parliament Hill will prevent the passing of this legislation, which they see as a potential threat to the industry’s success and sustainability.
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