The Canadian Association of Vegetable Growers and Processors, has persuaded the federal government to investigate imports of frozen vegetables. There has been an increase since suppliers have faced barriers into other global markets.
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will conduct the inquiry, said federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne .
The CITT will have 180 days to decide if imports of frozen and canned vegetables are harming or threatening to cause harm to domestic growers and processors. If so, it will propose remedies to the federal government. In its notice of inquiry, the CITT said anyone wanting to make submissions to the tribunal on this matter must file notice by April 2 of their intent to do so, and it will hold its hearing on the inquiry in Ottawa starting June 15.
It has also been asked to consider impacts to food affordability and security for Canadians.
The association said Canadians have been “facing a sudden surge of low-priced imports that is disrupting the Canadian market. Temporary, rules-based safeguard measures will restore fair competition and allow Canadian growers and processors to compete on equal terms.”
Such measures, it said, “will help stabilize supply chains that retailers and consumers depend on.”
