(March 27, 2023 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) For the first time in two decades, Japan is reopening its doors to Canadian processed beef. This accomplishment ushers in a new era for Canada and its second-largest market for beef and beef products: expanding market access for Canadian exporters – while also benefiting Japanese consumers who will have greater access to Canada’s high-quality beef products.
Japan is an important market for Canada and the world. In 2022, the Japanese market for Canadian beef and beef products had an estimated value of $518 million, largely due to Canada’s preferential access under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The development also removes the last restrictions on Canadian beef that Japan put in place in 2003, after the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Alberta.
Under the new Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Government committed to seizing economic opportunities for Canada by strengthening its regional partnerships, including with Japan. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with the support of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to assert the highest production standards and quality assurance of Canadian beef in order to reopen full access in key markets, like Japan.
This expanded market access opportunity follows another loosening of restrictions in 2019, when Japan approved imports of Canadian beef from cattle older than 30 months.
Quotes
“Our Government will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ranchers and processors who export the finest and most sustainable products around the world. This is another big step in our trade relationship with Japan, a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific.”
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
continued on page 2
“Cattle producers are grateful for the removal of trade barriers for processed beef in Japan, our second-largest export market for beef. Our industry will continue to support global food security by providing some of the most sustainable and highest quality beef in the world. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to further remove remaining trade barriers and expanding our trade capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Canadian exporters with a clear tariff advantage over our key competitors.
• According to Statistics Canada, the total value of Canadian beef exports to all countries in 2022 was over $4.6 billion.
Associated links
• Canada expands beef access to Japan, providing a boost for middle class farming families
“The Canadian Meat Council is very pleased to see this expansion of our beef access to Japan. Our members view this as a critical market for their products, including processed beef and beef patties. This agreement will allow our industry to further build on the recent successes they have enjoyed in Japan since the CPTPP was ratified. Thank you to Ministers Bibeau and Ng, and the hard work done by CFIA to achieve this new opportunity.”
Christopher White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to support growth and prosperity for the agriculture and agri-food sector
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
• Japan is Canada’s third-largest market for agriculture and food.
• Under CPTPP, Japan’s 38.5% tariff on beef imports (including primary processed products like ground beef patties) will decrease to 23.35% by April 1, 2023, and will go down to 9% by 2033. Tariffs on further processed beef products will be reduced even more and in some cases – eliminated altogether. This change provides
- Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association -March 31,2023
Ottawa, ON - The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is disappointed the Government of Canada announced yesterday that Canada has reached a market access agreement that will form the basis for the United Kingdom (UK) to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) without achieving viable access for Canadian beef to the UK.
While full details of the deal remain unavailable at this time, we are aware that other members of the CPTPP have achieved unlimited beef access in their bilateral agreements with the UK. We have been informed that similar access for Canada is “off the table”. There is also no current progress being made to address the main obstacle to the UK market – the full acceptance of Canada’s meat hygiene system which is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. CCA will draw a hard line that this barrier must be addressed in Canada’s bilateral agreement with the UK.
“Yesterday’s announcement of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP further disadvantages Canadian beef producers and is fundamentally unjust,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “If the Government of Canada brings a ratification bill to Parliament without addressing the UK barriers to Canadian beef, CCA will approach all Parliamentarians to defeat that bill.”
At present, the terms of access for Canada-UK beef trade are those inherited from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) established between Canada and the European Union (EU) in 2017. When the UK departed the EU, a temporary agreement was reached to continue to apply the CETA provisions to Canada-UK trade until a permanent agreement could be reached.
Under these continuing terms, British beef has access to Canada at a 0 per cent tariff in unlimited quantities; Canadian beef has access to the UK at a 0 per cent tariff within the limits of a tariff rate quota. The TRQ limits on Canadian beef are 2708 tonnes fresh and 1161 tonnes frozen annually.
For 2021, the UK exported 2733 tonnes of beef valued at C$16.3 million to Canada. For 2022, UK beef exports to Canada grew to 4414 tonnes for C$33.2 million. By contrast, Canada exported 657 tonnes of beef valued at C$7.6 million to the UK in 2021 and zero in 2022.
To date, CCA has supported negotiations with the UK to rectify the lop-sided benefits that British beef producers enjoy under the pre-existing agreement to ensure true reciprocity and access to each other’s markets to create a win-win for both industries and consumers across both markets.
The CPTPP has been an excellent agreement thus far with the initial participants implementing a high standard for trade liberalization. CCA believes that an agreement with the UK that leaves a significant barrier in place does not meet the standard of the CPTPP and the UK’s bid to join should be rejected until they can do better to meet the progressive trade principles of the CPTPP.
For further information, contact:
Michelle McMullenCommunications
ManagerCanadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca
Take advantage of mentorship and career building opportunities in the Canadian beef industry through Canadian Cattle Young Leaders! Program applications are due today Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm MT at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.
The mentorship program was established by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in 2010 and has since seen over 170 program graduates. Canadian Cattle Young Leaders is open to young people, ages 18-35, across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain including producers, students, veterinarians, financial advisors and much more! Through the program, 16 participants are selected annually to be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship to help advance their career in the beef industry and are awarded a $2,000 budget to put towards learning and travel opportunities of their choice. In addition, participants are offered skill-building training, travel and networking opportunities catered
uniquely to the beef industry. We strongly value diversity amongst applicants where all are welcome to apply, as it plays a key role in young leaders gaining exposure to new ideas and creating peer learning experiences.
If you’re interested in taking the next step to fast-track your career and involvement in the Canadian beef industry, please visit our website for more information.
You can also learn more on our frequently asked questions page on our website.
Thank you to our Foundation Partners Cargill, MNP, McDonald’s Canada and New Holland, along with Gold Sponsors Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, RBC Future Launch and Elanco for your incredibly generous sponsorship that makes these opportunities possible!
Please direct any questions about the program or application process to CCA Youth Leadership Coordinator, Jessica Radau, at radauj@cattle.ca
March 28, 2023
Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomes today’s announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland of the proposed creation of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank with an investment of $57.5 million over five years to develop emergency response plans and establish the vaccine bank
With the threat of FMD remaining high given the recent outbreaks in Asian and African markets, the establishment of this vaccine bank is critical and helps provide necessary insurance to protect Canada’s export markets.
“While we hope this vaccine bank is never needed, we are grateful for today’s investment and its establishment,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “We appreciate the Government listening to our concerns and understanding the critical need to put in place emergency preparedness plans to control the spread of the disease and protect our export markets for Canadian beef."
CCA supports the increased limit to interest-free loans under the Advance Payments Program from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year, of which, beef producers across the country continue to benefit from
CCA was also pleased to see a commitment towards the recovery of species at risk, with $184 million over three years being allocated towards strengthening the Species At Risk Act We will be engaging with the Government of Canada to ensure beef producers are at the table as key stewards of lands where species at risk live.
“Canadian beef producers are proud stewards of the environment, from protecting species at risk and biodiversity, conserving Canada’s endangered native grasslands, while sequestering carbon,” shared Phinney “As the Government of Canada continues to look at climate change, biodiversity, and other green spending measures, we urge them to include support for protecting Canada’s grasslands in the future ”
CCA looks forward to future discussions with the federal government to look at how Canadian beef cattle producers can take advantage of today’s announced budget.
For further information, contact:
Michelle McMullen Communications ManagerCanadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca
Manitoba Beef Producers welcomes a number of initiatives outlined in the recent federal government given their importance to the province’s beef sector.
Key among these is the $57.5 million commitment toward the establishment of a Foot and Mouth (FMD) vaccine bank for Canada, and to develop FMD response plans. With FMD present in other regions of the world, and with Canada’s beef industry being heavily reliant on exports, it is important that there are strategies and tools in place with respect to preparedness related to FMD. The federal government stated it will seek a cost-sharing arrangement with provinces and territories.
Another important element of the budget is the $13 million commitment in 2023-24 to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to increase the interest-free limit for loans under the Advance Payments Program (APP) from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year. This is a tool utilized by beef producers and this initiative useful for program participants. For more information about the APP visit the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Inc. website: https://www.manitobalivestock.com/ The budget stated that the federal government will “consult with provincial and territorial counterparts to explore ways to extend help to small agricultural producers who demonstrate urgent financial need.”
Budget 2023 also made references to Bill C-208: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (transfer of small business or family farm or fishing corporation) from the 43rd Parliament, which introduced an exemption to the Income Tax Act, to help facilitate intergenerational business transfers.
For detailed information on how various tax and financial measures outlined in the budget will be implemented, go to Tax Measures: Supplementary Information. This includes information about Bill C-208. See https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/pdf/tmmf-2023-en.pdf
To read the federal budget, go to: https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/pdf/budg et-2023-en.pdf
• The federal government is moving forward to establish a new Canada Water Agency based in Winnipeg and make major investments in a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan.
o Budget 2023 proposes to provide $85.1 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $0.4 million in remaining amortization and $21 million ongoing thereafter to support the creation of the Canada Water Agency. By the end of 2023, the government will introduce legislation that will fully establish the Canada Water Agency as a standalone entity.
• government will work to implement a right to repair, to make it easier and cheaper for Canadians to repair, rather than replace, their home appliance and electronics. The government will launch consultations this summer, including on the right to repair and the interoperability of farming equipment, and work closely with provinces and territories to advance a right to repair,
continued on page 8
and make life more affordable for Canadians and protect our environment.
• To help tradespeople invest in the equipment they need, Budget 2023 proposes to double the maximum employment deduction for tradespeople’s tool expenses from $500 to $1,000. This change would take effect for the 2023 taxation year.
• …intention to launch, in partnership with provinces and territories, a new approach to address gaps in natural disaster protection and help Canadians access affordable insurance. Budget 2023 proposes to provide $31.7 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to work with the Department of Finance Canada to stand-up a low-cost flood insurance program, aimed at protecting households at high risk of flooding and without access to adequate insurance. This would include offering reinsurance through a federal Crown corporation and a separate insurance subsidy program. The government will engage provinces and territories on the development and implementation of the program, as well as the requirements for its long-term fiscal sustainability, including cost-sharing and risk mitigation. In parallel, the Department of Finance and Public Safety Canada will engage with industry on solutions to earthquake insurance
and other evolving climate-related insurance market challenges.
• …proposes to provide $15.3 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to create a publicly accessible online portal where Canadians can access information on their exposure to flooding.
• …proposes to provide $48.1 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $3.1 million ongoing to Public Safety Canada to identify high-risk flood areas and implement a modernized Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, which would incentivize mitigation efforts.
• …proposes to provide $184 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Natural Resources Canada to continue monitoring, protecting, and promoting the recovery of species at risk to help restore their populations.
• …proposes to provide $27.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Transport Canada to establish a Transportation Supply Chain Office to work with industry and other orders of government to respond to disruptions and better coordinate action to increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of Canada’s transportation supply chain infrastructure;
(March 27, 2023 Employment and Social Development Canada News Release) Canada’s economic recovery and critical labour shortages in key sectors are driving higher demand for workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In response, the Government of Canada is taking a balanced approach to improving the program, with measures designed to respond to emerging labour market needs while also protecting Canadian workers.
That is why the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, has extended temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 Pandemic and through the TFWP Workforce Solutions Road Map. The continued measures, intended to provide greater stability for employers and workers, include:
• permitting employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30 percent of their workforce through the TFWP for low-wage positions;
• keeping the Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) validity period at up to 18 months; and,
• maintaining the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions at up to two years.
These measures will remain in place until October 30, 2023. In the meantime, the Government will carefully monitor activities and review policies to ensure they continue to reflect the latest economic conditions while also protecting workers in Canada. The Government continues work to implement a Trusted Employer Model this year. This will help to
reduce red-tape for repeat employers who meet the highest standards for working and living conditions, and protections.
Additionally, the Minister announced that, effective April 3, 2023, the TFWP begins transitioning to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary method to submit LMIAs. This shift to an online system will further improve processing, helping employers address their labour market needs quickly.
“We are taking a balanced approach to adjust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the changing needs of Canada’s workforce and Canadian employers. Renewing these measures addresses immediate labour shortages, while ensuring Canadians have access to jobs. We’ll continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to build the strong, skilled workforce Canada needs to support our economy.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
• The Canadian labour market remains tighter than before the pandemic and the job vacancy rate reached an historic peak in the third quarter of 2021.
• Our unemployment remains at a nearrecord low of 5.0%
• As of March 19, 2023, 56.5% more files have been processed (108,592) this year, compared to the same time period in the previous fiscal year (69,379).
continued on page 10
• Despite the significant increase in demand, national average processing times for LMIAs have improved by over 10 days in fiscal year 2022-23. Average LMIA processing times have continued to improve and now sit at about 29 days nationally, down from 40 days at the beginning of this fiscal year.
Associated links
• Government of Canada announces Workforce Solutions Road Map –further changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address labour shortages across Canada
• Backgrounder: Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map •
(March 28, 2023 RCMP News Release)
Calls for Service - February 2022 vs. February 2023:
East District: +17% (4,597 to 5,527)
North District: +21% (4,633 to 5,609)
West District: +3% (3,312 to 3,489)
Overall, the Calls for Service counts increased by 17% (12,542 to 14,625).
Drug Enforcement -7% (28 to 26)
North District
Common Police Activities +3% (705 to 727)
Crime against Property +15% (994 to 1140)
Crime against Person 0% (706 to 703)
Drug Enforcement +54% (28 to 43)
Crime Statistics - February 2022 vs. February 2023
Traffic Enforcement Tickets Issued (all districts combined)
• +62% increase (1734 to 2812)
East District
Common Police Activities -8% (681 to 628)
Crime against Property +12% (615 to 690)
Crime against Person +16% (351 to 407)
Drug Enforcement +160% (15 to 39)
West District
Common Police Activities +23% (387 to 477)
Crime against Property +45% (401 to 580)
Crime against Person +25% (247 to 308)
For a listing of the communities served by each District, please visit: https://www.rcmpgrc.gc.ca/mb/stats/districts-eng.htm.
The complete statistics can be found here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb/stats/indexeng.htm
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb
Twitter @rcmpmb | @GRCManitoba
http://www.facebook.com/rcmpmb |
https://www.facebook.com/GRCManitoba
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who are active beef producers or have a background in agriculture, but it is not a requirement.
Applicants must submit to the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency:
• an application form (see below)
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency established a scholarship to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of agriculture, agricultural research, or with an agriculture background pursuing studies in marketing.
Value: One scholarship of $2000 is available annually.
Applicants must:
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• be accepted to or attending a designated post secondary institution and
• be accepted to or attending a full-time program relating to:
o agriculture or agriculture business
o marketing, communications or public relations
o science and research including veterinary medicine
o human health and nutrition
o policy and economics
• a link to a creative video no longer than two minutes, showcasing how their background in agriculture, paired with their education, can help grow the future of the beef and veal industry in Canada
• an official acceptance letter or current enrollment document to a designated post-secondary institution
Videos must be posted to YouTube, marked as PRIVATE, and the link shared in the application form.
The recipient will be selected by committee on the basis of video content, and desire to improve and grow Canada’s beef and veal industry in a unique way. Knowledge and understanding of Canada’s national beef strategy, check-off system and national organizations is preferred.
Deadline
Apply for this scholarship between April 1 and June 30.
The award will be announced at the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency’s Annual General Meeting each year, and will be paid by October 1 of the year of the award.