QUESTION PERIOD — International Trade
Canada-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement
June 2, 2026
Senator Moreau, the Government of Canada is moving quickly to negotiate trade deals with numerous countries in various regions, including the South American Common Market trading bloc known as Mercosur.
In recent correspondence with the National Cattle Feeders’ Association, or NCFA, and the Canadian Cattle Association, both associations outlined concerns about how this trade deal may affect Canada’s beef producers and the entire agriculture industry. To quote a letter from NCFA:
Allowing beef access in the Mercosur trade deal would result in increased imports of low-quality beef raised with lower standards for animal health, labour, food safety and environmental [issues].
Protecting animal health is foundational to Canada’s beef industry and must remain an absolute priority. Protecting our own sectors must be an absolute priority in all trade policies and discussions. The Government of Canada must negotiate deals. Senator Moreau, how will your government balance the need for global trade diversification with the need to protect Canada’s beef industry during these trade talks?
Thank you for the question, Senator Black. As I mentioned to Senator Martin in the previous answer, the government is engaging in trade negotiations across the globe to create new opportunities for Canadians. This includes restarting the path to a trade agreement with Mercosur, a market of over 280 million people. Central in the process is listening to and engaging with Canadian workers, businesses, exporters, and, in this case, farmers and stakeholders and using that input to better inform the trade negotiators. Signing trade agreements is meant to open markets to producers and manufacturers, not to jeopardize them.
Negotiations are starting. The government is aware of the challenge and the importance of protecting Canadian ranchers and Canada’s beef industry.
Thank you. Global trade diversification is critical to our country’s future success and sovereignty, but there must be significant consideration on how these trade deals will affect all sectors, including agriculture and agri-food. Canadian agriculture is a key pillar for the economic growth of our country. These trade deals must be science-based, transparent, sustainable and responsible.
Senator Moreau, how will your government consult with the agriculture and agri-food sector to ensure that trade deals like the one with Mercosur do not negatively impact Canadian farmers, producers and processors?
First, let me tell you that I totally agree with the premise of your question. I’ve been told that the minister regularly engages with the Canadian Cattle Association and agricultural stakeholders to hear their feedback. I have been informed that he, notably, met with them just before he left for international travel to France and the Philippines last May.
Global Affairs Canada also conducted a public consultation to receive the views of Canadians on this negotiation, and the what-we-heard report is now publicly available.
