SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Canada-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight a pressing issue that will impact our North American beef trading relationship and our country’s food sovereignty.

The Government of Canada is quickly pursuing numerous trade deals. However, they are rushing through the Mercosur negotiations with countries having the largest, lowest-cost beef producers in the world. However, these lower costs reflect the different standards for animal care, labour, food safety and sustainability in the Southern Common Market countries, or Mercosur.

Canadian beef farmers and ranchers cannot compete with these lower prices and should not compromise our high standards because they are being displaced by Mercosur beef imports.

Canadian beef is some of the most sustainable beef in the world. According to the Canadian Cattle Association, beef raised in Canada generates 52% fewer emissions than the global average.

Increasing beef imports through a Mercosur trade deal will not only decrease our country’s domestic beef production, but it would also go against Canada’s environmental goals.

Additionally, Mercosur countries present significant foreign animal disease risks that could have catastrophic consequences for our national herd and rural communities. Lower-priced imports are a short-term and misleading solution to rising food prices. If we don’t protect our Canadian beef industry, we will discourage herd rebuilding, reduce domestic supply and thereby increase long-term price volatility, weakening Canada’s food security and food sovereignty.

Furthermore, we cannot afford to further jeopardize our trading relationship with the United States by adding another trade irritant ahead of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA, review. Given the high integration of Canadian and U.S. markets, the U.S. may see the Canada-Mercosur deal as our country opening a back door for Mercosur beef into their country.

All Canadian farmers, including beef farmers, must be recognized for the vital role they play in food security, economic growth and maintaining the strong agricultural traditions that communities rely on across this country.

There must be thorough consideration of the effects that a Mercosur trade deal will have on all Canadian sectors. Let me reiterate: We cannot, and should not, weaken our beef sector and our country’s food sovereignty for minor short-term gains.

Honourable colleagues, the agriculture sector is frequently forgotten and disregarded when trade deals and policy changes are made. I hope you will join me in raising awareness of this vital industry and advocating for policies that support Canadian farmers and ranchers.

Thank you. Meegwetch.