Canadian Cheese Importers Express Support for Government of Canada's Response to Unjustified Tariffs
ICCC to Advocate for Response that Minimizes Impacts on Canadian Consumers and SMEs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON, August 22, 2026 – The International Cheese Council of Canada (ICCC) stands in solidarity with the Government of Canada and its decision to walk away from the negotiating table. In response to the announcement, Pat Pelliccione, Chair of the ICCC, said: “We thank our government partners for their good-faith work throughout these negotiations. We understand that this was not an easy decision and trust that it was done in the best interest of our country.”
The ICCC will watch closely for more details regarding the Government of Canada’s retaliatory response. We will advocate on behalf of cheese distributors to ensure that the Government of Canada’s response is measured as well as in the interests of Canadian consumers and SMEs. We commit to working with them on this matter.
The ICCC will continue working with stakeholders and government partners to support consumer choice, competitive pricing and efficient use of Canada’s cheese import quotas.
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About the International Cheese Council of Canada:
Based in Ottawa (Canada), the ICCC is an association of small- and medium-sized cheese importers and their suppliers. Founded in 1976, we are the only association in Canada exclusively dedicated to the importation of cheese into Canada. Our members are Canadian importers of cheese; our associate members are cheese producers and processors from various countries that have signed international trade treaties with Canada. The ICCC works to ensure that Canada’s cheese TRQs are put in the hands of those most likely to use them. Such an outcome increases quota fill rates – to everyone’s benefit. The ICCC has co-existed with Canada’s supply-managed dairy sector for 50 years and recognizes the rationale underlying the supply management system – we are not advocating for the dismantling of the supply management.
Media Contact:
Marie Lemieux