STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo credit: Alberta Beef Producers.
Agriculture

Beef groups disappointed after rally for supply management bill

Oct 17, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Beef cattle groups from eight provinces say they are “surprised and disappointed” after a rally by federal politicians in support of Bill C-282.

Members of Parliament from several parties held a rally in support of the legislation meant to protect supply management during trade negotiations last Thursday in Ottawa.

The bill, if passed, would bar the government from increasing quotas or reducing tariffs on supply-managed goods like milk and eggs during international trade negotiations

The eight groups, Alberta Beef Producers among them, say in a joint statement that the economy in Canada relies on trade and bills like this one would limit this country when it comes to future negotiations before those talks even start.

They also worry this will lead to demands for protection from other sectors and weaken Canada as a free trade partner.

They add the beef industry is vulnerable because Canada exports half the beef it produces.

Bill C-282 has passed all three readings in the House of Commons and two readings in the Senate. It is now under consideration by a Senate committee.