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Canada hails WTO rule against U.S. country of origin labelling

Xinhua, May 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Canada Monday hailed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) latest ruling on the U.S. Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) policy.

A joint statement issued by Canadian Minister of International Trade Ed Fast and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz said that for the fourth time, the WTO has ruled against the COOL policy, reaffirming Canada's long-standing position that the policy is a blatantly protectionist measure against Canada.

The decision is final, leaving no possibility for further appeal.

The United States has exhausted all possible means to avoid its international obligations, damaging highly integrated North American supply chain and hurting producers and processors on both sides of the border, said the statement.

"Once again, we call on the United States to cease this harmful policy and repeal COOL's provisions against beef and pork, removing this unnecessary trade barrier," according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Canada will be seeking authority from the WTO to use retaliatory measures on U.S. agricultural and non-agricultural products, the statement said.

In June 2013, Canada released a proposed list of targeted U.S. imports, and it is now preparing its request to retaliate.

"Our government stands on the side of Canadian farmers and ranchers, and we will continue to protect all hardworking Canadians throughout this retaliatory process," added the statement. Endi