Resolution

WHEREAS Canadian farmers have been hurt by trade action targeting Canadian oilseeds, pulses, cereals and livestock products;

WHEREAS international trade is a federal responsibility;

WHEREAS Canadian producers must compete with farmers in the US who are receiving compensation for market losses owing to tariffs and other trade restrictions on a commodity specific basis;  

WHEREAS Canada’s business risk management programs were not designed to address the fallouts of a trade war;

WHEREAS The Canadian government has stepped in to help other sectors such as dairy and steel cope with the market losses caused by international trade agreements and the actions of foreign governments; 

BE IT RESOLVED That the Government of Canada work with farm organizations from trade exposed sectors to develop a trade war mitigation program that is: 

• Federally funded;
• Compliant with Canada's international trade commitments; 
• Equivalent to the demonstrated hurt caused by trade actions;
• Production neutral to prevent market distortions and influence on individual management decisions; 
• Provided for the duration of the trade injury, or until Canada's existing programs are re-designed to address trade risks.