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<title>CANADA ANNOUNCES END OF DAIRY WTO DISPUTE</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 9, 2003 <em>(4:45 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 57</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA ANNOUNCES END OF DAIRY WTO DISPUTE</strong></font></p>
<p>The Government of Canada today announced the conclusion of a lengthy World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute with
the United States and New Zealand over Canada's dairy export practices. </p>
<p>"We are pleased to see the end of this dispute. By moving quickly on compliance, particularly at the provincial level, we
have demonstrated our commitment to respecting our trade obligations," said International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew.
"Furthermore, we have worked with the dairy industry and the provinces to find a solution that would minimize disruption
to the Canadian industry and bring our export practices in line with WTO rules."</p>
<p>"The United States and New Zealand have indicated they are satisfied with our compliance measures," said Agriculture and
Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief. "Both the industry and provinces are pleased that the threat of retaliation has been
removed and an agreement has been reached, permitting a smooth transition toward compliance with Canada's WTO
commitment."</p>
<p>Canada has been involved in WTO dispute settlement proceedings regarding its dairy export practices with the United
States and New Zealand since 1998. In December 2002, the WTO confirmed that Canada's approach to the export of
products made from commercial export milk constituted an export subsidy. Since then, Canada has been engaged in
consultations with the United States and New Zealand. </p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister for International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 992-7332 </p>
<p>Media Relations Office </p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p>Donald Boulanger</p>
<p>Press Secretary</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food</p>
<p>(613) 759-1761</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada</p>
<p>(613) 759-7972</p>
<p>This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site:
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20061209062751/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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