Doug Ford stresses need to protect Ontario farming jobs in NAFTA deal
PAIN COURT , Ont. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford vowed to stand up for the province’s farmers during a briefing on NAFTA talks in Washington this week, saying Tuesday that any version of the trade pact had to protect the agricultural sector.
Ford made his comments at an annual rural expo in the province a day before heading to the U.S. capital to meet with federal negotiators and the Canadian ambassador to the United States.
“Farm jobs are not a bargaining chip,” the premier said at the International Plowing Match in Pain Court, Ont. “Not now, not ever.”
Canada’s so-called supply management for dairy and poultry products has been a point of contention in the trade talks, which are expected to resume this week.