Daniel Gobeil vows to represent Quebec dairy sector in Ottawa

Newly elected Liberal MP Daniel Gobeil intends to use his background as a dairy farmer and agricultural leader to represent the Quebec region of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord in Ottawa. The region is currently facing pressures stemming from trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

Gobeil, the former president of Quebec’s dairy producers and former vice-president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, stated that his expertise has already influenced Canada’s approach to the Trump administration. He noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney was receptive to his input during the campaign, and he has engaged in discussions with Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade.

The discussions involve Washington’s pressure on Canada’s supply-management system, which regulates the production and pricing of dairy, poultry, and eggs through import quotas and tariffs. A federal law passed last year restricts the government from making trade commitments that would increase import quotas or lower tariffs for these protected sectors.