Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade Proceed with NAFTA Action for over $300 Million
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Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade Fight Back
Yesterday, the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade (CCFT) took the next step in their action in response to the closure of the U.S border to live cattle.
The CCFT served the first five of over 100 Notices of Arbitration under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). CCFT members are exercising their right to claim damages when another NAFTA Government takes actions that give an unfair advantage to its own investors in the North American Free Trade Area.
“Free trade is on trial in this case,” said CCFT Founding Member Rick Paskal.
“It is clear that this is a trade and investment dispute, not a question of health and safety. The United States Government itself now recognizes this fact. It has collected ample evidence to show that Canadian livestock does not present a health risk. Canadian beef is among the safest and highest quality beef in the world,” said Paskal.
Even though the U.S. Government now praises the safety of Canadian cattle and beef, the border closure has been extended by a protectionist group of American producers called “R-CALF” (Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America). On March 2nd, 2005 Montana-based R-CALF obtained a preliminary injunction from a Montana-based federal judge to keep the border closed. As a result, Canadian investors will continue to lose millions of dollars until the North American market is restored.
CCFT members are fighting back against these protectionist attempts to roll back the NAFTA because the U.S. Government appears unwilling or unable to do the job itself.
The CCFT is made up of over 100 family businesses from across Canada. Their collective losses total well over $300 million. The CCFT welcomes new members. Cattlemen interested in joining this action should contact Doreen Jones at the CCFT either by phone at 403-634-6354 or by fax at 403-331-3175.
@ March 17, 2005