The group opposed the U.K.’s ascension into the CPTPP
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Canada’s pork sector has joined a movement opposing Britain’s involvement into a trade deal.
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) recently announced its participation in the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, which is against Britain’s ascension into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“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,” Rene Roy, chair of the CPC, said in a statement. “It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and for the country.”
Members of the livestock sector including the Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Meat Council and National Cattle Feeders’ Association, launched the campaign in September 2023 to raise awareness about how Canadian producers are being treated unfairly.
The main hurdle is Britain’s refusal to accept some Canadian production practices.
These include the use of growth hormones and the use of antimicrobial livestock carcass washes in processing facilities.
And Britain appears steadfast in its approach.
“We have said from the outset that we do have some things in place around (sanitary and phytosanitary measures), where we’re not willing to compromise,” British High Commissioner Susannah Goshko told The Canadian Press in April 2023.
Despite the challenges and the power to veto new CPTPP members, Canada supported Britain’s participation in July 2023.
The issue is so contentious between the two countries that Britain suspended trade negotiations with Canada in early January 2024.
A decision Canada wasn’t happy with.
“Their [UK] decision to continue to maintain market access barriers for our agriculture industry and unwillingness to reach a mutual agreement has only stalled negotiations," a statement from Trade Minister Mary Ng said.
No trade negotiations have happened since then, Ralph Goodale, Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, said in a Feb. 16 letter to the British House of Commons.