B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick has issued the following statement regarding the repealing of the United States’ Country of Origin Labelling laws:

“Throughout this long process, the British Columbian government has stood side by side with B.C. cattlemen and the Canadian government to do our utmost to ensure B.C. food products have fair access to U.S. markets, and that the terms and spirit of all signed trade agreements are adhered to.

“The decision to remove Country of Origin Labelling requirements will once again mean that B.C. and Canadian beef and pork producers have fair access to the U.S. market, and consumers there can enjoy our high-quality products at fair prices.

“I look forward to continuing to work with B.C.’s food producers to build on our record 2014 performance of $12.3 billion in revenue and $3 billion in exports. Having fair access to markets and improving trade conditions within Canada and internationally are key parts of that.”