In response to Great Britain’s stance on trade negotiations, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has announced its participation in the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, advocating for renegotiations of the United Kingdom’s ascension to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This move underscores the CPC’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers amidst concerns about fair and equitable trade practices.
“The CPC is proud to join the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition,” said René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council.
“We are calling for renegotiations of the CPTPP before Canada approves the United Kingdom’s ascension. Setting a precedent for non-tariff trade barriers within the CPTPP must be avoided to protect our industry,” he added.
The coalition, consisting of agriculture industry leaders and stakeholders, aims to advocate for fair trade agreements that benefit everyone involved. With Great Britain showing no signs of altering its approach to trade negotiations, the Council seeks to remind the Canadian government of its responsibility to prioritize the best interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers.
“Great Britain’s refusal to truly engage Canada in the current negotiations poses significant risks to Canada’s agricultural sector,” Roy emphasized. “We must address these concerns head-on before the UK joins a trade deal of which we are a founding member.”
The CPC underscores the importance of fair trade terms that uphold reciprocity and mutual benefit principles.
“Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” said Roy. “For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets under mutually beneficial terms. It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and the country.”

Canadian pork producers rely heavily on international markets for their livelihoods, with 70 per cent of production destined for export markets. Fair trade agreements allow producers to access new markets, diversify their customer base and increase profitability.
“By joining forces with the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, we are sending a clear message: Canadian farmers demand nothing short of fair and just trade agreements that set them up for success and support our industry’s growth and prosperity.”
The CPC serves as Canada’s national voice for pork producers, representing over 7,000 farms across nine provincial organizations. The CPC is a leader in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector through national and international advocacy efforts.The Say No to a Bad Deal coalition comprises of various associations within the Canadian meat sector, including the Canadian Cattle Association, the Canadian Meat Council, and the National Cattle Feeders Association. Together, these organizations advocate for fair trade agreements that benefit Canadians and support the growth and prosperity of the agricultural industry.
In conclusion, fair trade is essential for the long-term viability of Canadian farmers and ranchers. By joining forces with the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, the CPC aims to ensure that trade agreements prioritize the well-being of Canadian producers and promote sustainable economic growth for the country. It’s time for the Federal Government to stand up for Canada and fight for a fair deal for Canadian farmers and ranchers. •
— By Harry Siemens