OTTAWA, June 9, 2025 –  CAFTA’s agri-food exporters believe that the unanimous decision to send Bill C-202 to the Senate in a new Parliament, without consulting affected stakeholders is troublesome. The bill undermines Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner and threatens our credibility at a time of growing global uncertainty.

​

We should be strengthening trade diversification and opening new markets for Canadian goods, not sending a message that Canada’s approach is one of protectionism. It is essential to avoid allowing political imperatives take us away from our national interest, which is to deepen our trading relationships.

​

CAFTA and its members will continue to advocate for a more open trading environment for the 90 per cent of farmers who depend on trade to make their living. We would welcome the opportunity to work with parliamentarians to demonstrate that expanding trade relationships – not fearing them – is the path forward.

​

​

-30-