The Government is currently consulting with Canadians on whether to formally adopt the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and to make it law in Canada.
Members of Parliament traveled across Canada in April and May to hear testimonies from interested stakeholders, and are holding meetings in Ottawa exploring the benefits of the deal for Canada. Canola was well-represented at these meetings, with testimonies from both grower and value chain organizations. In addition to in-person appearances, the Committee has also received over 10,000 written comments.
While the importance of strong export markets and free trade are well understood by canola farmers, many Canadians have reservations with or are unaware of the agreement. As such, it is important that elected officials continue to hear why the TPP is important for famers.
The job is not done. Our collective voice is only one of many. With 90% of our production exported, market access is a top priority. Agreements, such as the TPP, provide the opportunity to further grow our domestic sector through tariff reductions and better rules of trade. The TPP is home to both our largest customers and competitors making it imperative that Canada remain involved in the partnership.
The TPP offers four main benefits for canola:
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New market opportunities through tariff reductions;
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A level playing field with competing oilseed producers;
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New rules of trade governing agriculture biotech exports, and
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The potential to capitalize on an expansion of the Partnership.
The agreement will provide for further growth of our sector and help ensure canola remains a reliable option for Western Canadian farms.
While the TPP provides new sales opportunities, it also ensures that we retain our current ones. Keeping canola processing at home creates jobs for Canadians and stronger economic benefits for farmers, their families and their communities. It also ensures a level playing field with the United States and Australia – our two largest competitors.
The end result is a stronger, healthier canola value chain to propel us forward. Click here to find out more information on canola and the TPP.
Interested farmers have until June 30 to submit their views to the Committee at
ciit-tpp-ptp@parl.gc.ca.