Dairy farmer anger over trade deal gets awkward for at least one Liberal MP
OTTAWA — The newly struck North American trade agreement will let more American dairy products into Canada and, while it has yet to be ratified, it’s already putting at least one MP from the governing Liberals in an awkward spot.
A couple of weeks ago, Quebec Liberal MP Pierre Breton offered support to farmers in his rural riding of Shefford at a protest that opposed his government’s trade policy. Theatrically.
On a small stage in Granby Breton took a mouthful of American milk. Then he spat it on the ground for a cheering crowd of farmers.
The moment — when Breton sprayed the milk from his mouth — was captured in photos and on video. The images accompanied local newspaper and TV reports about his public display of solidarity with the demonstrating farmers.