The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, today issued the following statement on the Government of Canada's commitment to the Canadian dairy industry:
In anticipation of Canadian ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and as part of the government's strong commitment to the Canadian dairy industry, we will move forward with a plan to help the industry adjust to market access concessions.
An appropriate mitigation package is necessary for the Canadian dairy industry. Today we commit to meet with industry within the coming 30 days to obtain its views on the mitigation package. Our conversations will address, among other issues, transition support for producers and processors, as well as proposed program and investment options. The government remains committed to the supply management sector.
Canadians in the dairy industry, in different regions, have shared different priorities about the path forward; together, we will reach the best possible outcome for our dairy farmers, their families, and communities.