We need a clear and uncompromising commitment to protect supply management and dairy policy as a whole
Saint-Hyacinthe, April 16, 2025 – Speaking to his members at the PLQ’s Annual General Meeting, Chairman Daniel Gobeil thanked the various federal political party leaders for the commitments they made during their electoral campaigns to defend and protect supply management. However, he asked the leaders to be more specific and clearly state that no new concessions affecting dairy policy will be made in any of the provisions of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“Mr. Poilièvre says that we will not be used as a bargaining chip. Mr. Carney says that supply management will not be on the table. To us, these commitments mean that no dairy issues will be on the table in any negotiation with the U.S. We will be watching more closely than ever to see if these commitments are kept!” added Mr. Gobeil.
“There is very strong consensus in Quebec on the importance of keeping supply management intact and protecting our sector. This model ensures food security in the country and reflects our values” emphasized the Chair, reminding those in attendance that Premier Legault has clearly stated and repeated that supply management and culture are two “non-negotiable” issues for Quebec and must be left alone. Mr. Gobeil also pointed out that, according to a recent Léger survey, 83% of Quebecers are in favour of the government’s efforts to protect supply management and dairy producers in the negotiations that are now starting.
As a reminder, Canada conceded nearly 8.4% of its dairy production and processing in the last three free trade agreements (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement), causing several billions of dollars in recurrent and permanent losses in our sector. In addition to the market access granted to the U.S., CUSMA caps skim milk powder and milk protein concentrate exports at 35,000 tonnes in all markets around the world, not just in the United States and Mexico. There is no reciprocal requirement for the U.S. and Mexico.
Canada also ceded some of its sovereignty with this agreement, by making commitments regarding transparency and consultation with the U.S. on changes in our dairy policies. Canadian milk producers have fully complied with the provisions of CUSMA and the industry cannot bear the brunt of another agreement at its expense.
Daniel Gobeil reminded listeners that Canada already had a dairy product trade deficit with the United States before the renegotiation of CUSMA. Since CUSMA came into force, dairy product imports from the United States have grown by 90%. The trade balance has doubled: Canada now has a $500 M deficit with the United States. “In the United States, they use subsidies and practice dumping into other markets. The U.S. administration continues to criticize our policy rather than adopt an equitable, sustainable model that supports the local economy,” concluded Mr. Gobeil.
About Les Producteurs de lait du Québec
About Les Producteurs de lait du Québec
Les Producteurs de lait du Québec, affiliated with the UPA, represents Quebec’s 4,087 dairy farms, which deliver roughly 3.60 billion litres of milk, for a total of over $3.61 billion in farm revenues. Milk production and processing create around 66,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in Quebec and contribute as much as $6.1 billion to the gross domestic product. Ultimately, they generate over $1 billion in tax revenues. The dairy sector’s impacts are critical because they play a role in land occupancy and maintenance of the social fabric across the province. Through its sponsorship and milk donation program, Les Producteurs de lait du Québec not only supports key events in Quebec society, but also helps eliminate hunger and ensure food security. Because they care about sustainable development in their sector, dairy producers invested $649 million in 2025 in machinery, equipment and buildings, specifically to improve their practices and the comfort of their animals.
For more information, visit our website at www.lait.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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François Dumontier
Director – Communications, Public Affairs and Union
Les Producteurs de lait du Québec
Office : (438) 315-9129
Cell : (514) 713-0530
[email protected]