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TPP good if it gets rid of subsidies

Based on the following example it appears that there are many subsidies being provided in other countries.

Based on the following example it appears that there are many subsidies being provided in other countries. I use New Zealand as an example. Its climate is very similar to ours, the currency is almost on par with ours and labour rates are on par. Yet somehow they can raise a sheep, pay to feed it etc., then butcher it, process it and ship it to Duncan to sell at $10.97 per pound versus locally produced lamb raised and processed here in the Cowichan Valley sold for $14.99 per pound. (This is from fliers from last week).

Given all the factors, there appears to be no way that in an open fair market it is possible to do this type of pricing without government subsidies. The subsidies breed inefficiencies and ensure that they can dump their produce on the marketplace. If the Transpacific Partnership will eliminate this type of subsidy it needs to get implemented. Although I have not studied the agreement in detail, it does have Mr. Harper’s hand in developing this deal, thus it is very likely we will lose out.

 

Glenn White

Shawnigan Lake