Made in Canada

[Mrs.Greg]

PM announces changes to Canadian food label laws


Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced tough new guidelines for the "Made in Canada" label on food, but Liberals have dismissed the changes as a "photo-op."


21/05/2008 5:41:01 PM






Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks during a press conference to announce changes to food label laws in Vineland, Ont., 100 km south of Toronto, on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

CTV.ca News Staff

Ottawa is introducing new laws so that food products processed in Canada, but made with foreign ingredients, will have to say so on the label, Harper told reporters in Vineland, Ont.

"The truth is, foods marked 'Product of Canada' or 'Made in Canada' actually may not be very Canadian at all," he said. "Our new guidelines are designed to redefine Canadian food content labels to better reflect the true origins of products in today's global marketplace"

Under current laws, Harper said, it's legal to call a product "Made in Canada" if 51 per cent of production costs were incurred here and the final transformation of the product was in Canada.

The current laws are largely unchanged since the 1980s -- before the rapid globalization of food production changed the origin of many of the products in grocery stores.

"A bottle of apple juice could have a 'made in Canada' label in it and be made from apples grown in China. A bar of chocolate might say 'product of Canada,' but the cocoa beans could come from the Ivory Coast,'' Harper said.

Liberal agriculture critic Wayne Easter said his party has been pushing for changes for the past three years, after "broad consultations" with farmers.

"We heard their calls and began pursuing the needed changes. The Prime Minister's photo-op only proves that he's been hearing what the Liberal Caucus and Canadian farmers have been demanding ever since," Easter said in a press release.

Under the new rules, a "Product of Canada" label will mean that virtually all of the contents are Canadian in origin.

A consumer advocate says the changes are long overdue.

"We are looking at two different reasons for labelling. One is to define some economic benefit to Canada. The other is to let the consumer know where items in that can or product came from," Mel Fruitman, the vice president of the Consumers' Association of Canada, told CTV Newsnet.

"It is that latter concern that has been bothering us for the past few years as we are seeing more and more imported products -- and unfortunately, more and more tainted products."

Fruitman said he wants to see better regulation of products -- and more severe penalties for those who disobey rules meant to protect consumers. He added that Ottawa needs to have more inspectors to make sure the new regulations are followed.

Harper said the new labels would reflect whether some of the ingredients in a Canadian-made product come from another country.

He said the announcement would be a boon for Canadian farmers because the country's consumers want homegrown products.

Ottawa will be holding consultations with Canadians and the food industry before the final label guidelines are completed.

 

[Sandhusker]

TRADE BARRIER!!!! :roll:

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

TRADE BARRIER!!!! :roll:

Well sandy when it comes to Beef we are not asking for anything we aren't already doing. We ID our cattle.

DO YOU?

 

[Sandhusker]

TRADE BARRIER!!!! :roll:

Well sandy when it comes to Beef we are not asking for anything we aren't already doing. We ID our cattle.

DO YOU?

Yep. Every one of them has a tag that denotes it's mother and year of birth and they all get a permanent hot iron brand.

 

[hypocritexposer]

TRADE BARRIER!!!!

Yep, shame it has to come to "tit for tat", notice how quickly this was done!

 

[Sandhusker]

TRADE BARRIER!!!!

Yep, shame it has to come to "tit for tat", notice how quickly this was done!

Hey, I'm all for Canada tightening their labeling. I feel they are completely within their right to do whatever they feel is in the best interests of their citizens. After all, that is the job of the government - to do what the people tell them so they have a chance at prosperity.

I just think its a load of crap when those of us who are trying to take care of ourselves and our fellow citizens get chastized for "trade barriers" , "protectionism", "anti-trade", etc...... ad nauseum - but when the pissers and moaner's own government does the same thing, it's different. :roll:

 

[Anonymous]

TRADE BARRIER!!!!

Yep, shame it has to come to "tit for tat", notice how quickly this was done!

Yep-- good for Canada to recognize that consumers want country of origin on their food products.....Appears to me tho the socialist governments up there ( that paid for the major cost of your entire ID system) is still going to help keep you on the tit so you can keep up with the tat..... :???:

B.C. government announces $3.3 million for cattle ranching industry5 days ago

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The British Columbia government has announced $3.3 million for the province's ranching industry.

Agriculture Minister Pat Bell says the funding will help the B.C. Cattlemen's Association implement a strategic plan.

Bell says the money will help ranches "age verify" their cattle, which will give them greater access to export markets.

The money will also allow more ranchers to join a program that certifies the quality of the product.

Bell says while the industry has had to deal with a tough economy over the past two years, it's put together a good recovery plan.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gwSyLLOdE7Ah4C2o6DLZSmaGlUIw

 

[hypocritexposer]

Yep-- good for Canada to recognize that consumers want country of origin on their food products.....Appears to me tho the socialist governments up there ( that paid for the major cost of your entire ID system) is still going to help keep you on the tit so you can keep up with the tat.....

Just trying to keep up with the subsidized Jones.

Jealous?

 

[RobertMac]

What do you Canadians that have been critical of USA's COOL law have to say now? Kato???????

Here is the bigger problem...consumers WANT TO BUY LOCAL and support their own countrymen, but....as producers, we aren't giving them that chance when we sell almost everything through the multi-national packers, who are trying to kill these laws and keep consumers in the dark!!! We should be working with consumer groups to strengthen our position...but some believe we should be on the same stage with consumer groups!?!?!?

 

[fedup2]

RobertMac writes: "What do you Canadians that have been critical of USA's COOL law have to say now? Kato???????"

I'm sure they will fight this Canadian plan all the way RM as we know they don't want trade barriers, want to break nafta rules, do anything illegal, foolish, thats just a waste of time and money! We already know what their opinions are:



Kato: "[Still think its not a trade barrier? If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's a ......... "]

"My arguement is not so much that COOL is a trade barrier, but that it is a violation of an existing trade agreement.
Call it what you like, the result is the same."


Big Muddy "If it's so simple and the consumers are demanding it,> Why aren't some companies doing it now?"

Question: "Niche marketing ? Branding a product is a double edged sword hope you guys are realize that"
"You know it as i do COOL is a joke, to play on patriotism and fear of the american consumer but look at every other consumable eventually those patriots find out they are getting screwed by their countrymen and say that imported stuff is better we'll teach the local producers. Remember this COOL is a double edged sword i can not wait to say I TOLD YOU SO."


Rod:"It violates the "what constitutes a US product" clause of NAFTA, Sandhusker. The new COOL laws attempt to change what was already laid out in the NAFTA agreement years ago."

"I'd be inclined to agree, EXCEPT for the fact your country signed an agreement with my country, and in this agreement, your country agreed to a certain set of rules that dictated "Product of" labels. Your country is now attempting to violate that agreement, which makes it my business. Your country has violated the agreement several times in the past, and its time your country was held accountable for the agreements its made. Doesn't it trouble you in the least that your country's word isn't worth the paper its wrote on?"

"If food safety really is well and truly your concern, start tracking your beef from consumer freezer right back to origin. Japan does it. That genuine food safety, not this trade barrier in disguise called COOL. "

" And the reason for that is protectionist groups and the media have managed to BS the consumer into believing that origin is significant. What happens that first time that
Origin labelling is a waste of time, effort, and energy, all so a few protectionist groups can have their time in the sun."

"I think whats going to happen is that it is going to cost more, due to segregation, and the consumer is going to be overloaded with nonsense labels to the point where they'll just simply ignore all labels, like they do now with virtually all consumer goods."

 

[RobertMac]

RobertMac writes: "What do you Canadians that have been critical of USA's COOL law have to say now? Kato???????"

I'm sure they will fight this Canadian plan all the way RM as we know they don't want trade barriers, want to break nafta rules, do anything illegal, foolish, thats just a waste of time and money! We already know what their opinions are:



Kato: "[Still think its not a trade barrier? If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's a ......... "]

"My arguement is not so much that COOL is a trade barrier, but that it is a violation of an existing trade agreement.
Call it what you like, the result is the same."


Big Muddy "If it's so simple and the consumers are demanding it,> Why aren't some companies doing it now?"

Question: "Niche marketing ? Branding a product is a double edged sword hope you guys are realize that"
"You know it as i do COOL is a joke, to play on patriotism and fear of the american consumer but look at every other consumable eventually those patriots find out they are getting screwed by their countrymen and say that imported stuff is better we'll teach the local producers. Remember this COOL is a double edged sword i can not wait to say I TOLD YOU SO."


Rod:"It violates the "what constitutes a US product" clause of NAFTA, Sandhusker. The new COOL laws attempt to change what was already laid out in the NAFTA agreement years ago."

"I'd be inclined to agree, EXCEPT for the fact your country signed an agreement with my country, and in this agreement, your country agreed to a certain set of rules that dictated "Product of" labels. Your country is now attempting to violate that agreement, which makes it my business. Your country has violated the agreement several times in the past, and its time your country was held accountable for the agreements its made. Doesn't it trouble you in the least that your country's word isn't worth the paper its wrote on?"

"If food safety really is well and truly your concern, start tracking your beef from consumer freezer right back to origin. Japan does it. That genuine food safety, not this trade barrier in disguise called COOL. "

" And the reason for that is protectionist groups and the media have managed to BS the consumer into believing that origin is significant. What happens that first time that
Origin labelling is a waste of time, effort, and energy, all so a few protectionist groups can have their time in the sun."

"I think whats going to happen is that it is going to cost more, due to segregation, and the consumer is going to be overloaded with nonsense labels to the point where they'll just simply ignore all labels, like they do now with virtually all consumer goods."

fedup2, looks like crow is on the menu today!!! :wink: :lol:
:lol: :lol: 8)

 

[Sandhusker]

And Fedup lands a right jab, a left jab, right hook, left jab, and then a crushing uppercut! Ka-BOOM!

 

[HAY MAKER]

Leave it to Mrs Grag,to spill the beans
good luck

 

[Kato]

I'm back. 8)

I think this is a case of following a precedent set by our NAFTA partners. There has been a lot of talk up here about MCOOL, and it's effect on Canadian agriculture. Especially in the livestock sector, there has been a lot of hurt for a lot of years now, and the government has finally seen fit to act.

You broke the rules first, and seem to have no political will to live up to your agreements, so we have no option but to do what we can to stay in business.

You say that the China thing has given an incentive for MCOOL. I would say that MCOOL has given an incentive for a Made in Canada label.

Up until all this started, it was not even on the radar.

 

[QUESTION]

Everyone needs to take a step back. First of all this is a proposal, the wording and regulations have not been finalized on changes to what constitutes product of canada other than the rules will change and be more stingent. Not to mention it if it is included in a bill of legislation it must be written, then pass reading in parliment, then get thru the senate so it will be a while until the rules change.
If we canadians do what we nornmally do we will do - product of canada rules will make COOL look like a joke. Just look at the canadian rules on SRM's and disease control , federal meat inspection, etc. These changes are proposed nothing is on paper yet. So with gerry ritz being ag. minister(saskatchewan farmer) Canadian farmeres and ranchers might get some input into what the changes might be. So all the fingerpointers might not be jumping up and down when the changes come into effect. But by all means enjoy saying it is the same as COOL which none of you know yet. I look forward to your complaining that product of canada rules are hurting the US producer.

 

[per]

Well then we might just as well come up with a Cool acronym for this thing... CRUEL Canadian Rules Under Effective Legislation CROP Canada's Regulation on Products Who makes up these things anyway?

 

[fedup2]

This just didn't start yesterday! You have had Canadians calling for better food labeling for years. Not just nutritional value & ingredients, but also country or place of origin. You have had groups calling for a 100 mile radius, stating that you would be helping local producers & your food would be fresher. To say this is only being done in retaliation is pure BS! Your problem was that you just couldn't get organized sooner. Maybe Cool was responsible for giving you the kick in the @ss that you needed to get moving but the finger pointing & you did it first stuff is BS.

What in the hell is wrong with having something labeled 'Product of Canada'? If you go to the meat section in your local grocery store and saw identical looking roasts, one marked Product of Canada & the others marked Product of Brazil or China, which one would you buy? And why the hell shouldn't you have that choice? Why would you continually let the multi-national companies that control your government make those choices for you? Knowing those decisions are based only on their bottom line!

 

[RobertMac]

What in the hell is wrong with having something labeled 'Product of Canada'? If you go to the meat section in your local grocery store and saw identical looking roasts, one marked Product of Canada & the others marked Product of Brazil or China, which one would you buy? And why the hell shouldn't you have that choice? Why would you continually let the multi-national companies that control your government make those choices for you? Knowing those decisions are based only on their bottom line!

Oh, no...marking the vast majority of beef in Canada as "Product of Canada" would make the small amount of Brazil and China beef a novelty and it would sell like hot cakes!!!!



Sorry, had a ~SH~ regression moment. :shock: :? :wink: :wink: :lol: :roll: :lol:

 

[QUESTION]

OK fedup2 you can hold it right there . You can quit before you start making things up, if you read the comments of the Canadian PM - this is about identifying PRODUCT OF CANADA not what foreign country something comes from. Unlike the US program it is about identifying domestic produce and imported produce not segregation of produce by nation other than Canada. Acchording to what has been put out there so far nothing has been mentioned about identifying exactly which country a product comes from other than Canada. Thus by doing it this way canadian product is identified and individual countries exporting to canada are not singled out so the program cannot be challenged under trade rules or trade agreements.
This has been called for for a while, but remember the rules that are proposed to be changed are over 30 years old and that fact alone is a good reason to make changes as the production of food may have changed just a little in that time. But the PROPOSED CHANGES have not even been written yet.
I find it so funny how fast a 30 second blurb gets twisted and taken out of context. Discuss what Product of Canada labeling means once the legislation is written and then to go forward. Rather than making outlandish claims before anyone even knows what the exact rules are :roll: . Unless the PM is online then he might give some insight into what the exact changes are going to be
The problem is not lack of orangization but a lack of intention by the former government. Remember the Conservative PM took over from a long reign of liberal governments. Gee i wonder if that has something to do with why a new government wants to bring in new rules. :shock:

 

[RobertMac]

Choking on crow Q??? Seems you made "outlandish claims before anyone even knows what the exact rules are" about USA MCOOL! :shock:

Why not try answering these questions...

What in the hell is wrong with having something labeled 'Product of Canada'? If you go to the meat section in your local grocery store and saw identical looking roasts, one marked Product of Canada & the others marked Product of Brazil or China, which one would you buy? And why the hell shouldn't you have that choice? Why would you continually let the multi-national companies that control your government make those choices for you? Knowing those decisions are based only on their bottom line!

By the way, every country has the right to label ALL products coming into their country by country of origin...most countries do and most products are labeled!!! Food seemed to be an exception for some countries...that's changing!!