Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

August 19, 2013

Manitoba Reinforces Support for Federal Action on COOL: Kostyshyn



The provincial government supports the Government of Canada’s decision to request a World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance panel be established on U.S. country of origin labelling (COOL), Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn said today.

“I want ministers Ritz and Fast to know that our government supports their efforts and will stand with them as we stand up for our cattle and hog producers,” said Kostyshyn.  “The bottom line is that  COOL is hurting the agriculture industry in Manitoba and across Canada, and that needs to change.”

The WTO ruled last June that COOL discriminates against exports of Canadian livestock.  The United States had until May 23 to implement regulatory or legislative changes to COOL.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not make the needed changes to bring COOL into compliance with its WTO obligations.  In Manitoba’s view, these changes will worsen the barriers facing Canadian livestock since COOL regulations were first implemented in 2008, said Kostyshyn.

As a result, Canada has requested that the original panel review the final COOL measure and determine whether the changes are adequate to bring the U.S. into compliance.

“Our government has fought against COOL from the beginning,” said Kostyshyn.  “We will keep fighting until this unfair trade policy is changed.”

 - 30 -