Neil E. Thomson
October 17, 2013
Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
Ottawa Office
Room 105, East Block
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 995-0183
Fax: (613) 996-9795
E-mail: ed.fast@parl.gc.ca
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 995-0183
Fax: (613) 996-9795
E-mail: ed.fast@parl.gc.ca
Dear Sir,
In a recent article in the Nation Post your representatives
indicated an undying support for Supply Management as it is now configured.
The EU trade deal is only part of the world trade
picture, as I know you’re aware; one of the biggest inhibiting factors in the
Doha Round of WTO talks has been supply management and agriculturally related
trade. The EU agricultural operating environment is similar to ours, a reality
which has permitted you to “keep your promise” regarding the Supply Managed sector,
other important regions are less hospitable.
The reality is that the present configuration of the
Supply Managed sector effects all manner of ills on the participating industries
and Canadian consumers. Your extended inhabitation in Abbottsford undoubtedly
has had you in contact with the BC Milk Marketing Board who have their office
in Abbottsford. The supply management regime, especially as it pertains to
milk, requires restructuring; as the system’s long tenure has allowed a decadence
to settle in and the world trading system will demand change.
Preservation of the system as it now stands is errant,
transition out of supply management as it is now configured, with fair
remuneration to farmers for lost “assets” is the path to contemplate now. We are seeking free trade with the world,
clinging to outmoded market practices to appease groups who would better absent
said outmoded practices is folly. Your government has run on the “free market
ticket”, how does that pair up with the ardent support of supply management
communicated by your office.
Sincerely,
Neil E. Thomson
Please see Blog for a more fulsome discussion regarding
Supply Management.
No comments:
Post a Comment