Canadian food producers are concerned that the federal government may be dragging its heels on ratifying the newly rebooted Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying that could hurt their ability to penetrate new markets.
Their concern stems from testimony today by International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who says he doesn’t see Parliament ratifying the 11-country Pacific Rim trade pact before
this fall.
Champagne says Canada intends to formally sign the new TPP deal next month, but its formal ratification – which would put it into force – likely won’t take place until this fall.
Get breaking National news
The heads of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said that would place domestic food producers at a competitive disadvantage.
- Concerns raised over future of Kelowna’s Knox Mountain Park caretaker role
- Manitoba police watchdog investigating after detained man left with skull fracture
- Manitoba businesses, insurers flooded with storm damage claims and repairs
- New Brunswick starts process to revive key mine producing key antimony mineral
That’s because only six of the 11 TPP countries have to ratify the deal for it to come into force.
Champagne says he was being realistic because there’s a full slate of business before the House of Commons and Senate.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.