Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is leading a mission to Washington, D.C., this week where he will reassert Canada’s position that the United States (U.S.) must repeal its protectionist Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) measure for beef and pork that is harming the North American livestock industry or face retaliatory measures.
This latest mission comes in the wake of a fourth and final ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO), which reaffirmed Canada’s stance that the U.S. COOL measure is discriminating against Canadian cattle and hogs.
While in Washington, Minister Ritz will meet with key members of Congress and U.S. industry groups. Members of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Canadian Pork Council, and the Canadian Meat Council will be part of the delegation travelling with the Minister.
Quick Facts
- In response to the latest WTO decision, and in accordance with international trade rules, Canada will seek WTO authorization to retaliate against U.S. exports.
- A broad list of commodities that may be impacted, including beef, pork, wine, cherries, pasta, corn, office furniture and mattresses, was published in the Canada Gazette in June 2013.
- Canada and the U.S. enjoy the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship. Eight million jobs in the U.S. depend on trade with Canada.
Source: AAFC