OTTAWA, June 18, 2025 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is deeply concerned by Parliament’s passage of Bill C-202, which now awaits imminent royal assent.

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This remains a flawed piece of legislation that sets a troubling precedent, undermining Canada’s longstanding commitment to the rules-based international trading system. At a time when Canada must be demonstrating leadership and consistency in defending predictable, rules-based trade, this bill sends the wrong message, both to our global partners and to Canadian exporters who depend on stable, competitive and fair access to international markets.

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With this setback, CAFTA urges the federal government to refocus its efforts on delivering its accelerated trade diversification agenda. This includes opening new markets, investing in and supporting the priorities of the export-oriented agriculture sector, addressing non-tariff barriers impacting existing trade agreements, and removing regulatory barriers that unnecessarily restrict the sector’s growth and competitiveness.

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Canada’s agri-food exporters need a trade environment anchored in clarity, credibility, and opportunity.

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We call on the government to reaffirm its commitment to rules-based, free and fair trade; principles that are essential to Canada’s future economic growth, global competitiveness, and the long-term success of our agri-food exporters.

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