Emergency assistance for B.C. dairy flood recovery Our thoughts and prayers continue to accompany our friends and colleagues affected by recent flooding in British Columbia. The images of farms that have been flooded are a nightmare.

Yet, at the same time, we have seen an incredible solidarity from dairy farmers on higher grounds that rushed to help those affected by the floods. They are nothing short of heroes.

DFC has spoken with the president of the B.C. Dairy Association, and we are assisting them on federal aid. Furthermore, we are in contact with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to identify emergency assistance and programs to support the dairy farmers affected by the floods.

Our colleagues from Gay Lea announced they were sending 24,000 kilograms of premium milk replacer to support dairy farmers impacted by the severe flooding in British Columbia. DFC was proud to support this initiative by covering the freight costs for the shipment.

We would also like to thank the employees of DFC, who have contributed some $4,000 to date to the B.C. Dairy Flood Recovery Fund.

Advocacy update

New Parliament opens with an emphasis on sustainability

The 44th Parliament opened recently with a Speech from the Throne outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming session. The speech was relatively short compared to previous ones, but one theme stood out as a clear priority for the incoming government: sustainability.

The government’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with DFC’s own focus in this area and shows why we need to continue to make environmental stewardship a priority. From our investments in research to reduce the environmental impact or dairy farming to efforts to improve biodiversity, to the development of benchmarks to better assess the environmental impact of dairy, to your investments in green technologies and the continued adoption of better farm practices – dairy farmers have already shown great leadership on the environment.

Furthermore, we are teaming up with respected environmental organizations – Cleanfarms, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Tree Canada – to promote and advance sustainability in the dairy sector. Partnerships like these must be a priority if we are to succeed in our advocacy and in connecting with Canadian consumers.

We must continue to build on this progress and stay ahead of the curve, since the government has expressed a goal of moving to net zero emissions by 2050.

New Parliament

Among the files DFC will be engaged on under the new Parliament are the promises made by the Liberals to establish compensation for CUSMA within the first year of their mandate, and we will continue to apply pressure to ensure the government delivers on this commitment. We will also make sure the front-of-package labeling and marketing to kids regulations promised by the Liberals in their electoral platform reflect the nutritious nature of dairy products.

TRQ challenge

Under the new CUSMA, most of Canada’s Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) have been allocated to processors, similar to allocation in place under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is challenging the manner in which Canada has allocated its TRQs, triggering CUSMA’s dispute resolution process earlier this year. Both governments have now had the opportunity to argue their positions before the panel adjudicating the challenge, and a decision is expected soon. We continue to work closely with the federal government in standing firm against the U.S. challenge.

Separately, the government was expected to announce its new TRQ allocations earlier this fall; however, the announcement was put on hold in light of the federal election and the current U.S. challenge to Canada’s TRQ allocation.

Trade agreements

We continue to follow negotiations between Canada and the United Kingdom towards a permanent trade agreement. We continue to advocate with the federal government to ensure it does not make any further concessions on our domestic dairy market. We will also monitor the process for new countries who want access to the CPTPP, which include the U.K., China and Taiwan.

Stay informed

For updates on DFC’s advocacy, research and other work on your behalf, join our mailing list by emailing communications.  

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers. DFC strives to create stable conditions for the dairy sector in our country. It also seeks to maintain policies that promote the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy products and their health benefits. Visit Dairy Farmers of Canada for more information.