“Farmers want the government to defend them in trade deals. Liberals fail at this. Trade with Europe and the UK is bad for farmers now. A Mercosur deal could be bad for farmers too because of different standards. The Liberals are rushing this deal anyway. This puts farmers at risk.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
International Trade
The Conservatives criticized the Liberals for rushing into trade agreements that could harm Canadian farmers, particularly beef and pork producers. The Liberals insisted they are focused on creating more export opportunities for Canadian businesses, including farmers. Much of the debate consisted of the two sides talking past each other, with the Conservatives raising specific concerns from farmers and the Liberals making vague assurances about the benefits of trade.
“Liberals are signing a big trade deal. I will ignore the part about standards and risks the other guy mentioned. We talk to some farmer groups. So it's fine.”
“Liberals want a trade deal with Mercosur. Ontario beef farmers say this deal would hurt them. Why are we doing it?”
“I say we are helping farmers by getting them exports. Farmers want what we are doing. We will not hurt farmers.”
“I want to pump up how great our cattle ranchers are. I don't want a trade deal that makes them compete with cheaper beef. The government should protect them from imports.”
“I'm filling time with nice ideas about trade and farmers, but didn't answer the pointed question about whether I'll protect cattle ranchers from a specific deal's cheaper imports.”