International Trade

Question period focused on the Mercosur trade agreement being negotiated with South American countries and its possible effect on Canadian beef. Conservatives asked why the government would open the market to imported beef produced under lower standards, saying ranchers want a fair shot and real market access rather than announcements. Liberals said Mercosur represents a large market, that they are listening to ranchers’ concerns and a study of the deal is under way, and that trade agreements are evaluated in Canada’s interest, pointing to 20 new trade and security agreements since the last election and a 40% rise in exports to countries other than the United States since the start of 2025.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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2 statements

Sophie Chatel, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Liberal
“The Mercosur trade deal involves a huge market, but we are listening to Canadian farmers and ranchers who have concerns about it. A committee is studying the deal now, and we will protect our farmers.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Mercosur agreement represents 300 million people and a $2.5-trillion economy. It is one of the largest markets in the world. However, we listened to our ranchers. We listened to our producers. We are listening to their concerns about the trade agreement. In fact, the study is going on at committee. We will continue to be there for our farmers because they work hard to put food on our tables.

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Liberal
“We make trade deals that help Canada. Since the last election, we have made 20 new trade and security deals. These deals help our farmers and ranchers sell to big markets like China and Indonesia. Since the start of 2025, our exports to countries other than the United States have gone up by 40%.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, all agreements are considered through the lens of Canadian interests, and all agreements are considered in the context of our other agreements. As has already been mentioned, Mercosur is an enormous market. Since the last election, the government has reached 20 new trade and security agreements. These agreements open markets for farmers and ranchers in places like China and Indonesia, two countries, by the way, that are 20% of the world population and 20% of the world GDP. Since the start of 2025, non-U.S. exports have climbed 40%. We are building a strong Canada for all: for our ranchers, for our farmers and for all Canadians.

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