Thursday, 16 May 2024 08:55

Editorial: O Canada!

Written by  Staff Reporters

OPINION: Politicians the world over have as their priority - get elected and stay elected.

What they do after that for their fellow citizens is a by-product of their ego-driven goal to get into power. This is well illustrated in that famous comedy/'documentary' Yes Prime Minister, where the first consideration to making any decision depends on whether it will win or lose votes.

This philosophy extends well beyond the jurisdiction of many so-called 'friends of NZ' and manifests itself particularly when it comes to international trade. Countries talk up their geopolitical, cultural and historical friendships - even mateship, where long-time allies have spilt blood together in war.

But this goes out the door when it comes to international trade and over how many years, I don't know, getting elected to enjoy the baubles of office overrides any consideration of mateship etc. NZ has had to battle this hypocrisy and 'about-faceness' for decades. Think Britain, the US and the EU.

Now Canada is on our blacklist as a rogue recidivist protectionist country who, against all international trade rules, is blocking NZ from exporting dairy products there. Canada signed up to the CPTPP - a trade group based around the Pacific rim - to trade freely with all members. But while Canada portrays itself as a 'free trader' and 'friend', the reality is quite different. Canada has a peasant-like dairy industry, with average herd size of 89 cows, but a lot of small farmers with big mouths and egos, and, seemingly, power. They have managed to pressure their government to break international trade rules and ruin relationships with close friends to protect their subsidised and unsustainable dairy industry.

The NZ Government has won a case against Canada and is now looking at other legal options.

By refusing to comply with the international trade rules, Canada in effect has stolen about $120 million dollars from NZ dairy farmers. They must be taken to task for this.

More like this

Editorial: Cutting red tape

OPINION: One of the world’s largest animal health and nutrition companies, DSM, now known as dsm-firmenich, has developed a feed additive Bovaer to lower methane emissions from cows.

Featured

Live exports battle

As the coalition Government mulls new regulations to reinstate the export of live animals, debate is heating up between supporters and opponents.

Deferred grazing back in play

With farmers facing challenging financial times, a move to deferred grazing is one of many cost-effective systems available to them.

National

Miraka lands A2 deal

Taupo-based milk processor Miraka has landed a deal to supply premium low-carbon A2 milk products into China.

Machinery & Products

ErgoPOD set for 2025 farm debut

Waikato Milking Systems has unveiled the final production version of its ErgoPOD, a state-of-the-art semi-robotic technology designed to increase milking…

Blender backs agri-tech startups

Product design and development consultant Blender says as part of its commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture and technology, it’s…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Synlait slump

OPINION: Synlait's woes continue to drag the company down. The listed milk processor’s share price dropped to an all-time low…

One levy

OPINION: Industry-good bodies have had a torrid time recently, with some facing backlash from farmers particularly over their stance on…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter