McNeil must advocate for Nova Scotia’s dairy farmers

TRURO -- The NDP is calling on Premier McNeil to do everything possible to help dairy farmers in the province following the recent signing of the US Mexico Canada Agreement.

“Recent trade deals made by the federal Liberals, including the new US Mexico Canada Agreement, will put real strain on our dairy supply management system,” said NDP Agriculture spokesperson Lenore Zann. “Farmers here are telling me they are very concerned about the impact foreign dairy products with have on their livelihood.”

Stephen McNeil is in Montreal today at the First Ministers Meeting with all provincial Premiers and Prime Minister Trudeau.

“Premier McNeil has an opportunity in Montreal to talk with the Prime Minister and provincial leaders about these changes,” said Zann. “I call on the Premier to act immediately to ensure our dairy farmers, who have invested millions in their own farms and the local economy, are protected.”

Dairy Farmers of Canada believes that three trade deals with Asia, the European Union, and the United States and Mexico will mean dairy imports will make up 18 per cent of the Canadian dairy market, representing an annual loss of $1.3 billion for Canadian farmers.

-30-