Article content

PAIN COURT, Ont. — Premier Doug Ford vowed to stand up for the province’s farmers during a briefing on NAFTA talks in Washington this week, saying Tuesday that any version of the trade pact had to protect the agricultural sector.

Ford made his comments at an annual rural expo in the province a day before heading to the U.S. capital to meet with federal negotiators and the Canadian ambassador to the United States.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Farm jobs are not a bargaining chip': Ford vows to protect farming in NAFTA deal Back to video

“Farm jobs are not a bargaining chip,” the premier said at the International Plowing Match in Pain Court. “Not now, not ever.”

Canada’s so-called supply management for dairy and poultry products has been a point of contention in the trade talks, which are expected to resume this week.

Ford said there should be no compromises on supply management at the talks, noting that he’d be conveying Ontario’s needs during his Washington visit.

“If you’re asking me, don’t compromise,” he said. “We have to protect the farmers. We have to protect the auto workers. We have to protect everyone in Ontario.”