Essex MP Tracey Ramsey is duking it out with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in the House of Commons after the latest round of NAFTA re-negotiations.
The NDP member questioned Freeland over the supply management protections as talks concerning the North American Free Trade Agreement concluded in Ottawa.
Ramsey stated the Liberal government is not doing enough to support farmers.
"Mr. Speaker, this week the US and Mexico plan to tag team against our supply management system during the NAFTA talks unfortunately for our producer they're not in good hands with this government," says Ramsey.
The Canadian, US and Mexican flags. (Photo courtesy iStock/ronniechua)
She asked what the federal government will do to protect farmers.
"When the cameras are rolling Liberals will say they will protect supply management, but when they're off the Liberals are giving more and more access to other countries like they have in CETA and now TPP 11," says Ramsey. "Can the Liberals promise to our producers they will not grant further access?"
Freeland responded the federal government is standing firmly behind farmers.
"When it comes to our dairy farmers, we will defend their interest vigorously at the NAFTA negotiating table," says Freeland. "We are committed to working together with farmers, industry groups and American counterparts to promote Canada's interests. We will fiercely defend the national interest and promote our values."
NAFTA talks recently wrapped in Ottawa with little optimism for a deal to be reached by year's end.