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MP Calkins urges Liberal Government to act expeditiously on the World Trade Organization COOL ruling

MP Calkins urges Liberal Government to act expeditiously on the World Trade Organization COOL ruling

December 9th, 2015, Ponoka, AB

Blaine Calkins, MP Red Deer - Lacombe issued the following statement regarding the World Trade Organization ruling in favour of Canada.

“Country of Origin Labeling has cost farmers of Red Deer-Lacombe millions in lost revenue, I was encouraged to see the WTO once again rule in Canada’s favour against the protectionist provisions of COOL” said Calkins.

Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a requirement signed into American law under Title X of the Farm Security and RuralInvestment Act of 2002 (The Farm Bill) This law requires retailers to provide country-of-origin labeling for fresh beef, pork,and lamb. In September 2008 the United States Congress passed an expansion of the COOL requirements to include more food items such as fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables.

The World Trade Organization has granted Canada and Mexico the right to impose more than $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the United States following a seven year dispute over country-of-origin labeling. “I urge the Minister of Agriculture to act expeditiously and in the best interest of farmers. Any delay in enforcing retaliatory measures would be considered a grave betrayal to our agriculture industry” Calkins stated.