Thank you for your question.
Under NAFTA, the product in question is allowed into Canada duty-free provided that it meets some very strict criteria, mainly, a milk protein content of 85% or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter. That's an international obligation under NAFTA.
The product you are referring to, which often meets the requirement of having a milk protein content of 85% or more, can be imported into Canada without restriction. It's covered by NAFTA. There are no restrictions on that, and therefore, there really isn't anything that can be done about it. In our discussions with dairy sector representatives, especially those in Quebec, it was evident to us that they were very clear on that point.
But the issue that gives rise to numerous concerns is compliance with the cheese compositional standards. That's a separate issue. The standards codify the proportional content of the ingredients that can be used in cheesemaking. The sector's concerns in that regard are well-understood, as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food mentioned. The standards were never designed to allow the unrestricted use of, what is known as, diafiltered milk in cheese. Its use is allowed but in limited quantities.
The government is working to make sure the rules are clear to everyone.