QUESTION PERIOD — International Trade
Supply Management
November 6, 2024
Senator Gold, in light of Donald Trump’s victory last night and the next free trade negotiations with the United States, is the Canadian government thinking about or questioning its support for Bill C-282? Although I am in favour of our supply management system, is it prudent to tie the hands of the negotiators before they even begin the negotiations between Canada and the United States, which promise to be difficult?
I thank you for the question. The government remains determined to support our supply management system. Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours and allies with deep ties as economic partners and as peoples. I am sure that the Government of Canada will work with President Trump to create more opportunities for prosperity and security for our two nations.
Thank you, Senator Gold. I did want to point out that 70% of our exports go to the United States, which is our biggest market. In 2017, the Trump administration already had our dairy farmers in its sights, calling our trade practices unfair to the Wisconsin dairy industry. In that context, should we take a step back, given the uncertainty?
Thank you for your question. This government has worked successfully with both Republican and Democratic administrations, and it will continue to do so. Canadians can rest assured that the government will be pragmatic while protecting their interests.
