Canada will now be seeking authorization from the World Trade Organization (WTO) to impose over $3 billion in retaliatory measures against US exports to Canada.

The WTO Dispute Settlement Body will consider the request on June 17, 2015.

On May 18, 2015 the WTO ruled for the fourth time against the US Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) requirements.

The decision was final and without the possibility of further appeal.

"The WTO has ruled that the United States is out of options and out of time. The only way for the United States to avoid billions in immediate retaliation is to repeal COOL," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our government will continue to stand on the side of Canadian farmers and ranchers, and we will continue to protect all hardworking Canadians throughout this retaliatory process."

The Canadian government is asking the United States to immediately repeal the COOL measures on beef and pork to meet its trade obligations or face retaliation.

Damages to the Canadian livestock industry are estimated to be more than $3 billion annually, and Canada will ask the WTO for authority to impose retaliation measures up to that amount.