International Trade committee  They've increased, certainly, after COVID. We've seen a rise in protectionism. Maybe I'll let Adam touch on some of the specifics, but they certainly are on the rise. They've increased significantly.

International Trade committee  I work in the canola sector in my day job, and yes, Japan is one of the most important markets for canola exports. We have a long-standing, long-established and very solid relationship with the Japanese. I don't have the Japanese trade statistics for 2022, but in 2021 it was 1.7 billion dollars' worth of exports, which is our third-largest market for canola.

International Trade committee  Yes. In short, I think years from now, if Bill C-282 does pass, countries and parliamentarians around the world will be discussing Canada in the same way that we're discussing the U.K. and India, because we've legislated out a massive part of our sector as opposed to negotiating.

International Trade committee  Yes, the United States trade representative's office has an entire team of about 12 people dedicated to the implementation of trade deals so that the spirit of the deal is being carried out. We have advocated that type of office for Canada, but it hasn't gone far, unfortunately.

International Trade committee  I would just add that wheat seeds as well are an issue in that area of the world. We're very thankful for the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Indo-Pacific agriculture office. A lot of those discussions are very technical. We have some of the best negotiators and trade commissioners, but we need more technical expertise.

International Trade committee  The issue around carcass washing, which my colleague spoke to, is just a recognition that we have not addressed the issues that existed with CETA. They have now been replicated through the CPTPP, and we're hoping they get resolved through the bilateral agreement. SPSs are often intentionally used for protectionism, but we do have concerns with the U.K.'

International Trade committee  Absolutely. It is CAFTA's position. CAFTA has a long-standing position of growing the CPTPP, but we cannot erode it at all. We have said no to other countries because they can't meet the standards. We need to get our bilateral house in order with the U.K. and then have a discussion about accession talks.

International Trade committee  I think it would be absolutely critical. The USTR also benefits from having an entire division dedicated to trade implementation. It's not just signing trade deals, but making sure they get done. Hopefully, part of this study is articulating those trade irritants that exist to make sure we don't replicate them in future trade agreements and also to make sure that we deploy Canadian resources to resolve the trade irritants we're currently dealing with.

International Trade committee  CAFTA could perhaps start generally and let the Cattle Association speak to specifics. We have concerns. We heard from Canadian negotiators that there were concerns around the United Kingdom's ability to meet some of our scientific rigour standards. That was certainly a concern.

International Trade committee  Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to be here. My name is Dave Carey. I'm an executive board member of the Canadian Agri-food Trade Alliance, or CAFTA. Joining me today is Adam Taylor, our interim executive director. As this committee has heard from us before, CAFTA represents the 90% of farmers, ranchers, processors and agri-food exporters who depend on trade.