QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
June 13, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
During the negotiations of CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, one of the major draws for Canada was that our meat producers would enjoy increased market access by increasing the quota of tariff-free pork and beef allowed into the EU. However, in various recent media reports producers have noted that their exports have barely increased and they have not been able to fill the quotas.
This has been noted as due to further regulatory barriers such as certain hormones now not being permitted in the EU and having to do various other tests that were not previously required. Meanwhile, the EU is taking advantage of their side of the trade deal and enjoying significantly increased access to our market for cheese.
Senator Harder, why is it that these barriers were not foreseen during the negotiations and what is the government doing to solve the problem?
I thank the honourable senator for his question. I will obviously reference his question to the appropriate minister, but if my recollection is correct, Canada’s exports to Europe increased by 12 per cent in the last year as a result of the CETA. While there may be some sectoral challenges, as the honourable senator is suggesting, I think it’s important for us all to recognize that this is an important agreement, a positive step for Canada and, as has been stated many times in this chamber, we are the only G7 country to have free trade agreements with all other G7 countries, the CETA being an important feature of that. I will seek further clarification. It has become a habit in some countries to use GMO and other non-tariff-like barriers. I will report back.
