Bill C-79 has passed the House of Commons.

The legislation will implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will give Canada's agriculture sector better access to the Asia-Pacific.

The Canola Council of Canada says the Canadian canola industry can't export value-added products to countries like Japan because of high tariffs.

They say through the CPTPP, tariffs will be fully eliminated over five years in Japan and Vietnam, and exports of Canadian canola oil and meal could increase by up to $780 million per year.

Canola Council of Canada President, Jim Everson, says the urgency and cooperation shown by the Federal Government in the past four weeks mirrors the importance of this agreement to increased value-added canola exports.

"Considering the robust consultation process Canada has already undertaken, we urge the Senate to consider and Pass Bill C-79 without delay, and ensure Canada does not fall further behind in competition."

The Bill still needs to be passed by the Senate.

The CPTPP will come into force 60 days after it is ratified by the first six countries. Mexico, Japan and Singapore have already ratified the deal.

 

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