Food industry concerned by possible delays in Ottawa ratifying new TPP
OTTAWA — Canadian food producers are concerned that the federal government may be dragging its heels on ratifying the newly rebooted Trans-Pacific Partnership, saying delay could hurt their ability to penetrate new markets.
Their concern stems from testimony Thursday by International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who said he doesn’t see Parliament ratifying the 11-country Pacific Rim trade pact before this fall.
Champagne said Canada intends to formally sign the new TPP deal next month, but its formal ratification — which would put it into force — likely won’t take place until autumn.
The heads of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said that would place domestic food producers at a competitive disadvantage.