For example, it says, 85 per cent of cheeses will go to processors.
That compares with 50 per cent for imports from the European Union.
Tariff-rate quotas enable the holders to import products at relatively low tariffs. Because domestic market prices are higher, they are able to make a substantial profit on those imports.
The Retail Council of Canada is criticizing the allocation to processors, saying the benefits ought to flow to consumers.
The European Union has complained that the tariff-rate quotas have not been filled by Canadians and has blamed the allocation to processors for the shortfall.
The federal government gave interested parties until Nov. 15 to file applications for import quotas for cheeses for the upcoming year.
Every year the amount available increases and this time it’s 850,000 kilograms.
