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BFO Statement on the Passing of Bill C-202
June 18, 2025
June 18, 2025 (Guelph, Ont.) – The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is disappointed to learn of the passing of Bill C-202, an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act.
This legislation poses risks to Ontario’s economic prosperity and to Canada’s reputation as a reliable and ambitious trading partner. Ontario’s economy is driven by international trade, which supports one in six jobs and accounts for two-thirds of provincial economic activity. By restricting Canada's ability to fully engage with trading partners, Bill C-202 threatens to undermine our trade relationships.
The bill sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden protectionist pressures from other sectors, weaken the ambition of future trade deals, and jeopardize export-dependent industries like the beef and cattle sectors.
Beef farmers derive a significant portion of the value of their animals from access to international markets. As one of the most sustainable beef-producing nations in the world, Canada has a unique opportunity to help meet the growing global demand for high-quality protein. Bill C-202 puts this opportunity—and our relationships with key trading partners—at risk.
While BFO respects and supports the supply management system, we firmly believe its protection should not come at the cost of other vital export-driven sectors.
Ultimately, this legislation offers no tangible benefits to the broader Canadian economy and represents a step backward in Canada’s trade policy. We continue to call for a balanced approach that protects all sectors and ensures Canada remains a strong and credible partner in global trade.
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CCA Statement on Bill C-202: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act
June 18, 2025
On behalf of Canada’s 60,000 beef producers, the Canadian Cattle Association is deeply troubled by the adoption of Bill C-202 through Parliament.
Bill C-202, same as Bill C-282 before it and Bill C-216 before that, undermines Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner and threatens our credibility at a time of growing global uncertainty. We are extremely concerned that the bill was fast-tracked by Members of Parliament through unanimous consent with no consultation and no debate. At a time when Canada should be focused on strengthening trade diversification and opening new markets for Canadian goods, we are disappointed to see Canada’s Parliamentarians prioritize protectionism through legislation.
Trade is not a political game and C-202 was never about supply management. At its core, Bill C-202 is bad trade policy. Canada’s economy depends on exports, and further growth will require expanding them. Population and consumption growth are happening worldwide and the global demand for protein is growing. The Canadian beef sector exports $7 billion dollars annually. Our beef farmers and ranchers are ready to meet growing global demand and will need support from our government to help us take advantage of these opportunities and help meet that global demand. We look forward to new market growth and development, and to government addressing regulations and non-tariff barriers that impact existing trade agreements.
Canada’s beef sector contributes $21.8 billion to Canada’s GDP and creates almost 350,000 full-time equivalent jobs throughout our sector. We are a critical part of Canada’s rural economy and national economy. CCA will continue to work with the government to achieve our trade objectives as a sector poised for economic growth across Canada.
Tyler Fulton
President, Canadian Cattle Association
CCA Statement