Canada’s WTO Special Agricultural Safeguard

Feb. 7, 2008, Ottawa -The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced the Government of Canada's intention to proceed with finalizing the operationalization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Special Agricultural Safeguard for supply-managed goods.

"This is another example of the Government listening to supply-managed
groups and delivering real action for them," said Minister Ritz. "Our
decision to finalize the operationalization of the Special Agricultural
Safeguard is important, as it will ensure that we can stay in position
to support supply management sectors, and keep them strong."

The WTO Special Agricultural Safeguard allows WTO members to provide
stability for sensitive industries by imposing temporary surtaxes in
response to sudden over-quota import surges, or unexpected decreases in
certain agricultural commodity prices.