Tory leadership hopeful Maxime Bernier wants maple syrup restrictions lifted

OTTAWA — Conservative leadership candidate Maxime Bernier is calling for Quebec’s maple syrup producers to be allowed to sell the sweet stuff as they see fit.

They are currently subject to a supply management system and to a federation that dictates market volume.

Bernier told a news conference in Ottawa today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should do away with a decree that gives the federation powers with regard to the commercialization of sap and maple syrup in provincial and international markets.

The Quebec-based MP says the federal government shouldn’t be worried about heeding his advice because the Constitution guarantees open trade among provinces.

Bernier was accompanied by producer Angele Grenier, who is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to hear her case. The maple syrup federation is seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars from her because she exported her syrup herself to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Bernier has previously promised to ease foreign ownership restrictions on airlines, privatize Canada’s major airports, deregulate the telecommunications industry, end supply management for the egg, chicken and dairy industries and privatize Canada Post.

The Canadian Press

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