Canadian agri-food producers raised the alarm on Parliament Hill today about the risks posed by Bill C-282, legislation they warn would restrict Canada’s flexibility in negotiating free trade agreements. To bring needed attention to the harms of Bill C-282, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance has launched KeepCanadaTrading.ca, which encourages Canadians to send letters directly to Senators, urging them to reject this legislation.
“Bill C-282 poses a direct threat to Canada’s agri-food sector, our trade relationships and the thousands of farmers and their families that rely on open access to global markets to make a living,” said Greg Northey, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “Today, our members are calling on their fellow Canadians to visit KeepCanadaTrading.ca and ensure Senators know the economic risks if this bill is passed. It’s time for the Senate to do the right thing and protect Canada’s future as a competitive force in international trade.”
Ninety percent of Canadian farmers depend on trade to sell their commodities. If passed, Bill C-282 would curtail Canada’s flexibility in trade negotiations, resulting in lost market opportunities and weakened access to export markets.
“More than half of Canada’s GDP depends on trade,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “Bill C-282 prioritizes one sector over the interests of the entire Canadian economy. We encourage all Canadians to get involved by visiting KeepCanadaTrading.ca and letting the Senate know this Bill is not worth the economic harm.”
As Canada approaches the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, C-282 could expose Canada to increased pressure, giving the U.S. leverage during these critical trade talks. The Bill risks weakening Canada’s negotiating power, not just with CUSMA but across all current and future trade agreements.
For more information and to take action, visit KeepCanadaTrading.ca.
