June 17, 2025
Saskatchewan Members of Parliament and Senators
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Saskatchewan Members of Parliament and Senators,
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) represents 15,000 pulse crop farmers in Saskatchewan who rely on international markets to sell their lentils, dry peas, chickpeas, beans and other pulses. We are writing to express our strong disappointment with the advancement of Bill C-202, which has now passed the House of Commons, and appears to be fast-tracked toward Royal Assent.
While not yet enacted, its imminent passage signals a significant and troubling shift in Canada’s approach to international trade. More than 85 per cent of Canadian pulse production is exported. Over the past three years, pulse crop exports from Canada have averaged $4.5 billion per year, with 71 per cent of those exports, or $3.2 billion per year coming from Saskatchewan. The decision to support a bill that undermines the rules-based trading system we depend on raises serious concerns about Canada’s ability to negotiate meaningful deals for our sector.
Bill C-202 sends the message to our trading partners that Canada is prepared to walk away from hard-fought commitments and retreat into protectionism. It introduces risk and uncertainty at a time when our industry needs stable, predictable access to diversified markets. It also opens the door to unintended consequences and retaliatory actions from key partners that could directly harm our growers, which is particularly problematic at a time where Canada and the US are renegotiating the trade and economic framework between our two countries.
We are equally concerned that this legislation advanced without meaningful consultation with the farmers and exporters most affected. Trade policy decisions must be grounded in economic reality and informed by those involved in the day-to-day of global competitiveness. That didn’t happen here.
As this bill moves toward becoming law, we urge you to reflect on its long-term implications for Canada’s broader agri-food sector and to commit to a more collaborative, evidence-based approach to future trade policy. SPGwill continue to advocate for open markets, predictable trade rules, and the importance of agriculture as a driver of economic growth in Canada.
We hope we can count on your support to ensure that Canadian agriculture remains outward-looking, competitive, and trusted by the world.
Sincerely,
Winston van Staveren
Chair, Board of Directors