Mr. Frédéric Seppey at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee

On February 21st, 2017. See this statement in context.

February 21st, 2017 / 12:30 p.m.

Chief Agriculture Negotiator, Trade Agreements and Negotiations, Market and Industry Services Branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Frédéric Seppey

The market secretariat is not structured by sectors but more by expertise in terms of specific markets.

We have a number of staff, as Mr. Mayers was pointing out. CFIA staff are embedded in the market secretariat, and they may cover several markets, but the resources are really standing ready to work on the highest priorities at any time. Addressing a number of market access issues, whether on beef or canola in China, for example, would call on the same type of skills.

Again, the market secretariat is playing coordination and integration functions and would then draw on resources and collaborate with people in CFIA, for example. Then, if it's a canola issue, it would work with experts on oilseed issues. If it's on beef, they will work with experts on beef. In the market secretariat per se, the resources are focused in terms of specific markets.

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