TPP Puts Quebec Farms at Risk

Quebec dairy producers have had a tough year and Liberal government support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as negotiated by the Conservatives does little to restore farmers’ trust.

According to the Syndicat des producteurs de lait du Québec, Quebec lost more than 250 dairy farms in 2015 – more than any other year.

“The Conservatives negotiated the TPP behind closed doors. The Liberals promised change but they’ve already said they are going to approve the agreement. The TPP puts supply management at risk and the effects are already being felt,” said NDP Agriculture critic Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier—Maskinongé).

According to dairy producers, the TPP will cost the dairy industry 3.25% of its share in the domestic market. New Democrats are calling on the Liberal government to act quickly to protect supply management and prevent further loss of family farms.

“The industry needs support and the government must reassure milk producers. The TPP could worsen the situation and we must protect jobs in the sector. The only way to do this is to protect supply management in its entirety,” said Brosseau.