The Quebec government vowed Thursday to hold Ottawa responsible for the financial costs its agricultural sector may have to shoulder as a result of current World Trade Organization talks.
Countries from around the world are meeting in Geneva and, among other things, they are tackling the thorny question of trade tariffs on food.
Quebec fears that without import duties, its dairy and poultry industries could suffer from competition with cheaper producers from developing countries.
Agriculture Minister Laurent Lessard called on the Canadian delegation - which includes Federal International Trade Minister Michael Fortier - to defend the province's position.
"If there are economic impacts, they're the ones holding the pencil and they have to know there are consequences," he said Monday, after taking part in the negotiations last week.
"And if there are consequences, we know on whose door to knock."
Lessard added he was concerned about draft documents circulating in the negotiations because they failed to address Quebec's demands.
He accused Ottawa of caving too easily during the talks.