Say no to a bad deal: CPC calls for revisions to CPTPP

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) will join the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, which is advocating for renegotiations of the United Kingdom’s ascension to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

This move comes in response to Great Britain’s decision to pause trade negotiations.

Say No to a Bad Deal is a coalition of agriculture industry leaders and stakeholders that aims to remind the federal government of its responsibility to prioritize the best interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers.

“The CPC is proud to join the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, and we are calling for renegotiations of the CPTPP before Canada approves the United Kingdom’s ascension,” said Rene Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “We have been patient and proposed solutions to safeguard the interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers, yet our concerns remain unaddressed. Setting a precedent for non-tariff trade barriers within CPTPP must be avoided to protect our industry. Great Britain’s refusal to truly engage Canada in the current negotiations poses significant risks to Canada’s agricultural sector, and it is crucial we address these concerns head-on before the U.K. joins a trade deal of which we are a founding member. Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity. For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets under mutually beneficial terms. It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and for the country.”

Canadian pork producers rely heavily on international markets for their livelihoods, with 70 per cent of production destined for export markets.

“By joining forces with the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, we are sending a clear message: Canadian farmers demand nothing short of fair and just trade agreements that set them up for success and support our industry’s growth and prosperity,” Roy added.