Trade Powers Farmers and Processors
Bill C-282 Cuts Them Off
With nine out of ten Canadian farmers and processors relying on trade, Bill C-282 embraces protectionist policies that put their livelihoods at risk, while crippling market access, damaging Canada’s trade relationships, and jeopardizing the country’s economy.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
AGRICULTURE
AND TRADE
GO HAND IN HAND
Canada’s agriculture sector depends heavily on international trade. Over half of our agricultural products are exported to more than 150 countries.
For example, 50% of our beef and 90% of our pulses feed people around the world. Bill C-282 risks severing these crucial trade ties, putting the future of Canadian farming in jeopardy.
In 2022, Canada exported C$92.8 billion in agriculture and food products, supporting over 2 million jobs across the country.
These jobs are found in both urban and rural communities, all reliant on the steady flow of exports. Without strong trade agreements, our farmers and processors lose their competitive edge, and the economic ripple effect will hurt families and communities nationwide.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
WHY C-282 HURTS US ALL
RISKS OUR TRADE-DEPENDENT ECONOMY
More than half of Canada’s GDP depends on trade. Bill C-282 prioritizes one sector over the interests of the entire Canadian economy, threatening to derail the success of industries that rely on global markets.
Looking ahead to the 2026 CUSMA Joint Review, Canada’s ability to negotiate will be significantly weakened if Bill C-282 becomes law. This bill opens the door for the U.S. to gain leverage, placing Canada in a vulnerable position during these critical trade talks.
WEAKENS OUR GLOBAL TRADE PRESENCE
Canada is the 5th largest agri-food and seafood exporter in the world, reaching nearly 150 countries in 2022.
Limiting our ability to negotiate trade deals would not only hurt Canadian farmers and processors but also weaken our leadership in global trade discussions. Bill C-282 risks undermining our position at international forums like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and damaging Canada’s reputation as a global trade leader.
THREATENS GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
International trade doesn’t just drive our economy—it underpins food security. Trade moves food from surplus to deficit countries, increasing its availability, reducing prices, and promoting healthy, diverse diets. Without trade, food becomes less accessible, and any disruption in domestic production would cause severe shortages.
Bill C-282 threatens to unravel this delicate balance.
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE
C$92.8 BILLION
IN AGRI-FOOD EXPORTS LAST YEAR
OVER 2
MILLION
JOBS RELY ON CANADIAN AGRICULTURE
150
COUNTRIES
RECEIVE CANADIAN EXPORT PRODUCTS
OVER 60%