
TL;DR:
- The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has joined a coalition opposing the UK’s entry into the CPTPP without specific renegotiated terms.
- Concerns include non-reciprocal trade terms and the UK’s non-acceptance of Canada’s meat inspection system, impacting Canadian pork producers.
In a bold move on February 12, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) threw its weight behind the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition. This alliance is steadfast in its opposition to the United Kingdom’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) until the deal is reworked to favour both shores.
Joining forces with the likes of the Canadian Cattle Association, the Canadian Meat Council, and the National Cattle Feeders Association, the coalition is not just a group; it’s a united front for renegotiation. “Joining the ‘Say No to a Bad Deal’ coalition wasn’t just a choice; it was a necessity,” declared Rene Roy, the CPC’s chair. “We’ve been the voice of reason, offering solutions to protect our homegrown talents — our farmers and ranchers.
Yet, it feels like we’re talking to the wind. We can’t let non-tariff barriers become the norm in the CPTPP. Our industry’s survival is at stake.”
The tug-of-war between Canadian and UK trade officials over agricultural trade terms has been a marathon with no finish line in sight. The heart of the matter? The UK’s thumbs-down to Canada’s meat inspection system and a tariff tango that’s anything but reciprocal.
Canada’s been on a mission to get the UK to drop its ban on hormone-treated animals, a game-changer for Canadian producers eyeing the British market. But it’s been an uphill battle, with compromise in short supply.
The CPC’s latest plea is a clarion call for trade terms that echo the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit. “Fair trade isn’t just a fancy term; it’s the bedrock of our prosperity,” Roy asserted. “For our farmers, especially those in the pork sector, it’s about opening doors to the world under terms that give us a fair shot. It’s about ensuring our hard work pays off, securing our industry’s future and, by extension, our country’s economic stability.”
With 70% of their production heading overseas, Canadian pork producers know all too well the value of international markets. It’s not just about selling; it’s about thriving in the global marketplace.