SASKATCHEWAN REPRESENTED AT WTO MEETING

Saskatchewan will be pushing for the elimination of agricultural export subsidies, for substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic subsidies, and for improved market access for our agricultural and agri-food products, at this week's World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Mexico.

Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch, who will be part of the Canadian delegation at the conference, said Saskatchewan agriculture is dependent on fair access to international markets.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief was earlier quoted as saying the potential outcome of the Cancun meeting was "far from clear" and that Canada was "seeking the right deal, not a quick deal."

Lautermilch said Ottawa must commit to back Canadian farmers until the right deal is in place.

"Our involvement in the WTO negotiations is the best way to get global rules that level the playing field for Saskatchewan farmers in the long run," Lautermilch said. "In the meantime the federal government must own up to its responsibility to compensate Canadian farmers adequately for trade injury caused by other countries' trade-distorting and protectionist practices."

Lautermilch added that Saskatchewan strongly supports Canada's objective of preserving state-trading enterprises such as the Canadian Wheat Board throughout these negotiations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008 Cell: (306)533-2168