Internal Trade Panel Strikes Down Quebec Barriers

TORONTO, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - In a victory for free interprovincial trade, an internal trade panel has struck down restrictions under Quebec's food legislation that prohibit the manufacture, sale and labeling of canola and soybean based dairy alternatives in that province.

The Vegetable Oil Industry of Canada (VOIC) asked the Government of Saskatchewan and the other western provinces to formally challenge Quebec's barriers under the Agreement on Internal Trade in 2012.  A recent appeal panel ruling has upheld last year's original ruling in Saskatchewan's favour.

"This is a decisive victory and the fourth such challenge of restrictions in Ontario and Quebec against our industry's products that has been requested by VOIC and successfully prosecuted by the western provinces," said Sean McPhee, president of the Vegetable Oil Industry of Canada.

"The message is clear.  In an era of expanding international trade, provinces must get rid of their barriers to each other's products and services and not impose new ones through any proposed legislation," said McPhee.

VOIC (VEGETABLE OIL INDUSTRY OF CANADA ) INC. - VOIC (INDUSTRIE DE L'HUILE VÉGÉTALE DU CANADA) INC. is a national not-for-profit industry group representing seed developers, oilseed growers, processors and consumer product makers.

SOURCE Vegetable Oil Industry of Canada

Sean McPhee, 416-214-1232