Minister Strahl...bravo.

I thought it was worthy to record here some comments made by Minister Strahl re the recent WTO discussions.

From Ottawa Watch: The Canadian Federation of Agriculture's Parliamentary Lookout • July 04 , 2006

Federal Agriculture Minister, Chuck Strahl stated multi-lateral and bi-lateral talks are ongoing, but concern rests with the G6 countries, especially the United States and the European Union. The countries have yet to make headway on market access and domestic support, he commented. Numbers have to be put on the table and complete modalities have to be presented, he continued, adding that there is “too much talk, and not enough negotiating”.

When asked about the Canadian Wheat Board, Strahl said STEs and sensitive products are “not on the radar screen” and have not been a priority in any of the discussions to date. The issue at hand right now is getting the U.S. and Europe to move on domestic support and market access. In Strahl’s words, the discussion on STE’s “is not irrelevant, but is irrelevant right now”.

During a press conference, many inquiries dealt with supply management and the question of Canada being isolated. In a press conference held Thursday, Liam McCreery, President of Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) maintained that Canada is, in fact, isolated in its position on supply management and is in effect, stalling negotiations.

He said earlier in a House of Commons Trade Committee meeting, “Canada and its minister representatives slowed the whole process down … Canada stopped a consensus from being formed.”

At the press conference, media asked Strahl’s opinion on CAFTA’s comments. To Canada blocking negotiation opportunities with its position on supply management, he labeled the statement “nonsense,” saying that supply management is not even part of the discussions right now.

Strahl mentioned that he agreed with CAFTA on market access and domestic support, but added that “it’s not right to say supply management is holding up an agreement.”

At least the Minister is working to keep the record and the rhetoric straight and for that he has my appreciation.

As well in the same issue, this caught me by surprise:

WAYNE EASTER JOINS WTO TALKS

Federal Agriculture Minister, Chuck Strahl invited Wayne Easter, Liberal Agriculture Critic to join Canada’s delegation team at WTO talks in Geneva.

Partisan politics aside, I cannot think of anyone who understands the issues of agriculture and the industry's importance to Canada, better than Mr. Easter. Minister Stahl appears to want the best information he can get.

I applaud the Minster, for sure.