Food for thought: How trade agreements impact the prospects for a national food policy

Authors

  • Elizabeth Ann Smythe Concordia University of Edmonton, Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v5i3.282

Keywords:

Food policy, trade agreements, Canada

Abstract

This article examines the prospect for a national food policy through the lens of trade agreements and the concept of policy space. It traces the shrinking of domestic policy space in recent decades as a result of trade agreements. Advocates such as Food Secure Canada seek a “coherent” food policy that supports a sustainable, more domestically-focused, food system. This article argues that the prospects for such a policy are constrained, based on Canada’s past history, under both Liberal and Conservative governments, as well as recent bilateral and regional agreements. It examines the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) which included the United States, and the subsequent Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiated by the remaining eleven partners after the US departure. Focussing on market access, standards, regulatory harmonization and procurement, I argue that provisions in these agreements, along with what we might expect in future trade negotiations, pose challenges for the development of a national food policy.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Ann Smythe, Concordia University of Edmonton, Alberta

Professor, Political Science

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Published

2018-09-30

How to Cite

Smythe, E. A. (2018). Food for thought: How trade agreements impact the prospects for a national food policy. Canadian Food Studies La Revue Canadienne Des études Sur l’alimentation, 5(3), 76–99. https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v5i3.282