The World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 28, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Denis Balibouse)

Multi-partisan committee calls for special measures to protect farmers

MPs release list of recommendations and priorities for WTO reform efforts

A federal International Trade committee recommends Canada implement special measures to protect farmers. In its latest report, MPs on the committee released a list of recommendations and priorities for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). During witness testimony, members from the major parties heard about challenges experienced at the WTO. Officials from Global Affairs said

Steve Verheul, Canada's chief trade negotiator, says a trade ‘implementation’ position might be unworkable.

CAFTA calls for implementation officer

Canada’s chief trade negotiator says the position would create duplication and overlap

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Exporters (CAFTA) is calling for a trade implementation position within Global Affairs, but the country’s chief negotiator is already spilling cold water on the idea. In its list of priorities and policies for 2021, CAFTA says the creation of such a position is needed in Global Affairs Canada to monitor and facilitate engagement with


The World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 28, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Denis Balibouse)

Ban on food aid restrictions blocked at WTO

WTO says outcome 'disappointing' in difficult year

Geneva | Reuters — World Trade Organization members were at odds on Friday over a proposal that would ban countries from restricting food aid deliveries, potentially complicating the response to a feared COVID-fuelled humanitarian catastrophe next year. The proposal was one of two related to the pandemic that failed to make headway at a three-day

(File photo)

Australia to appeal at WTO over China’s barley tariffs

China in May imposed tariffs totalling 80.5 per cent

Sydney | Reuters — Australia will launch a formal appeal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) later on Wednesday seeking a review of China’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on imports of Australian barley, Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said. Acknowledging the appeal may take years to be resolved, Birmingham told reporters Australia would also

U.S. president-elect Joe Biden, seen here at the rally kicking off his campaign in May 2019.

Manitoba farm leaders watching U.S. closely

POLITICS | Trade, international relations and the tone of the conversation all of interest

POLITICS | Trade, international relations and the tone of the conversation all of interest

Manitoba’s agriculture sector is taking a wait-and-see approach to the prospect of a Biden presidency in the U.S. Bill Campbell, president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers, said the key thing he’ll be looking for is clarity on trade, when speaking to the Co-operator the week after the vote. “Trade will be the primary interest of


A pedestrian crossing in front of the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland in 2019.

Trade woes prompt ministerial discussion

Bibeau speaks to EU counterpart as WTO reports stark trade drop

Trade – or the lack of it – was at the top of the agenda during a June 23 discussion between federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and her European Union counterpart, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Wojciechowski. According to the federal government, the two discussed the importance of the Canada-EU relationship and reiterated