Saskatchewan wins challenge against Quebec over sale of certain dairy products

REGINA – Saskatchewan has won a trade challenge against Quebec over the sale of certain margarines, coffee whiteners and dessert toppings in the Quebec market.

A dispute resolution panel under the pan-Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade says Quebec’s restrictions on the production, sale and marketing of vegetable-oil-based dairy products go against some rules.

Saskatchewan had argued in January that the restrictions were illegal under rules that prohibit governments from creating barriers to interprovincial trade.

Saskatchewan’s challenge was supported by the governments of Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.

The Quebec government is appealing the ruling — something that could take up to seven months.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart says he’s confident the ruling will stand and his province’s oilseed producers will get full access to the Quebec market.