It is composed of representatives of each provincial marketing board and the respective provincial governments. The MSQ is monitored and adjusted periodically to reflect changes in demand. This is done essentially on the basis of historical market shares, with some limited latitude for adjustment through transfers of quota within regional arrangements. The individual producer's share of the provincial quota, the producer's quota, is determined by the permanent quota rights held by that producer. While quotas were originally allocated on the basis of historic production levels, these quota rights are commercially tradable and, in many cases, have been acquired on a commercial basis.
Some votes require a majority while others require unanimous consent.
The CDC is empowered to take a decision in the event of a failure by members to agree at two meetings where the question concerns a matter not covered by the Comprehensive Agreement on Special Class Pooling. The Comprehensive Agreement on Special Class Pooling requires unanimity , including on all matters with respect to export trade. The Canadian Special Milk Classes Scheme 1. Prior to 1995, the proceeds of levies paid by producers were utilized to fund the CDC's losses in exporting dairy surpluses. With this in mind, a Dairy Industry Strategic Planning Committee was established.