Fifth round of NAFTA negotiations in Mexico City - Minister Lessard emphasizes the importance of a common front between Québec and Ontario

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In Mexico City for the fifth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, Laurent Lessard, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, took the opportunity afforded by the first day of his mission to Mexico to meet with his counterpart from Ontario, Jeff Leal, and with other agriculture community representatives and the main Canadian negotiators.

Ministers Lessard and Leal agreed on the strategic importance of joint action by Québec and Ontario for the purpose of these negotiations in order to highlight the predominant role of agriculture in the Canadian economy. The ministers also affirmed that defending supply management and maintaining NAFTA are necessary for the economic growth of their respective regions.

Quotation

"My counterpart from Ontario and I had the opportunity to talk with agri-food industry representatives, but also with the Canadian negotiators. It is clear that everyone agrees about the crucial role that a robust, stable and modern agricultural sector can play in developing our communities. That is why we will continue to defend our model. I will continue my work so that Quebecers always have access to quality products that rise to their expectations in terms of ethics and international ambitions."

Laurent Lessard, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Links

www.international.gc.ca/alena-texte

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SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation

For further information: Mathieu Gaudreault, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Phone: [phone]