An open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on NAFTA comments

Dear Prime Minister,

On behalf of Canadian dairy farmers, I want to express our concern with the comments you made on Sunday, June 3rd, on NBC’s Meet the Press, where you specifically referenced access to our domestic dairy market as a possible concession that you would make to conclude the NAFTA re-negotiations.

These comments are deeply troubling for our dairy farmers, as you and your government’s representatives have repeatedly stated that you support the supply management system and our sector. The Government cannot say that they support our system and in the same breath, conclude agreements that would negatively impact the dairy farming community and the 250,000 Canadians that depend on the sector for their livelihood. The additional impact of the access granted under trade agreements has undoubtedly weakened our dairy system in Canada.

Your comments, in addition to political meetings between your staff and President Trump’s advisors, for which there has been little information provided to us, is quite worrisome.

In closing, we appreciate your government’s willingness to state your support for supply management; but, do you support the dairy sector?

I renew my request to have a meeting with you to address our concerns at your earliest convenience.

Regards,

Pierre Lampron
President
Dairy Farmers of Canada