Government of Canada Moving Forward on WTO Special Agricultural Safeguard

(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced the Government of Canada’s intention to proceed with finalizing the operationalization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Special Agricultural Safeguard for supply-managed goods.

“This is another example of the Government listening to supply-managed groups and delivering real action for them,” said Minister Ritz. “Our decision to finalize the operationalization of the Special Agricultural Safeguard is important, as it will ensure that we can stay in position to support supply management sectors, and keep them strong.”

The WTO Special Agricultural Safeguard allows WTO members to provide stability for sensitive industries by imposing temporary surtaxes in response to sudden over-quota import surges, or unexpected decreases in certain agricultural commodity prices.