Louis takes part in meeting with dairy industry officials with CUSMA top of mind

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis. timlouismp.ca photo

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis recently attended a high-level huddle with federal government officials and leading dairy industry players.

The meeting came as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push against Canada’s dairy industry and its quota system. Louis said it was part of the preparation for a review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

“It’s important to make sure the government and industries are all speaking with one voice. There are round table discussions around the country and I attended a recent national dairy round table in Montreal,” Louis said.

Louis, the parliamentary secretary responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, was joined by his minister, Dominic LeBlanc, outgoing U.S. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, other government officials and representatives from the dairy processing and production sectors.

“It was an important conversation. At a high level, we talked about protecting our food sovereignty, protecting Canadian farmers, supply management and protecting rural economies,” he said.

While Louis could not go into detail about the discussions, Trump has been clear in his opposition to Canada’s system and his desire for greater access for American dairy products in Canada.

“It is a concern. I can’t negotiate everything in public with you, but what we are looking for is that solidarity between all levels of government and those in the dairy industry. We want to make sure we are speaking as one voice,” Louis said.

Canada’s dairy supply management system is a policy framework designed to match domestic dairy production with Canadian demand, while ensuring stable incomes for farmers and predictable prices for consumers.

Canadian dairy farmers operate under a quota system that limits production and is adjusted nationally to match domestic demand. Farmgate prices are set based on production costs, while limited imports are allowed through tariff rate quotas under trade agreements like CUSMA.

Louis said uncertainty when it comes to actions south of the border is the number one word on his government’s mind as Canada prepares for a scheduled review of CUSMA, something Trump has said isn’t on his mind.

“It’s not a renegotiation. The agreement was signed in 2020, requiring Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to review how things were working. The review doesn’t mean we are reopening it or trading away concessions. Our government has made it clear supply management is not on the table.”

The MP said while he has some experience with the dairy industry, he is working hard to do what’s best for the dairy and other agricultural industries, learning as he goes.

“I was first elected in 2019, and I was on the House of Commons Agriculture Committee. That helped me learn how to protect our farmers and programs like supply management.”

Louis said the government is committed to protecting Canada’s economic interests throughout the negotiations.

“Our objective is clear. Securing the best possible deal for Canada – one that provides certainty for Canadian workers, businesses and investors while protecting our unique Canadian advantage. These discussions help ensure farmers’ voices are reflected in decisions that protect our farmers, strengthen the industry and keep Canadian dairy strong.”

CUSMA allows most goods to move between the three countries tariff-free, sets rules for labour standards, environmental protections and intellectual property, and includes updated provisions for digital trade.

Louis and all other members of parliament are heading back to Ottawa as the House of Commons begins sitting for its winter session on Monday. He added his time away from the nation’s capital has been full of stakeholder meetings.

“It’s an everyday responsibility,” he said. “From housing and transportation to global events, local projects, and health care, I need to hear from everyone. When I’m in Ottawa, my job is to be the voice of Kitchener-Conestoga and bring those concerns forward.”

When asked if he has seen the level of uncertainty in politics, mainly due to American influence, Louis admitted these are difficult times.

“I was elected a few months before a global pandemic and there was a level of uncertainty there. This uncertainty exists in every meeting and every conversation I have. But what I am also seeing is Canadians seem to be more united than they were in the past.”

He added he is confident people of all political stripes can come together to address the issues of the day.

“The meetings I am having are more challenging and that uncertainty is in every conversation. That’s the nicest way I can say it in print.”