Premier Moe Urges PM Carney to Meet with XI

Moe says only Carney and Xi have the authority to broker a meaningful resolution

In response to escalating trade tensions over Canola, on Thursday, federal and provincial leaders met with key stakeholders in the Canadian canola sector to address China’s recent imposition of steep anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola seed.

“Canola is one of our most valuable agricultural exports and an important driver of the Canadian economy," said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, issued a statement following the meeting.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to defend and diversify Canadian trade and we will stand shoulder to shoulder in our support for Canada’s hard-working canola producers, workers and exporters.”

The meeting included Premier Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison, Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding, and federal colleagues the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), and the Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.

“Canada is profoundly disappointed with China’s announcement,” said Minister MacDonald, referring to the preliminary anti-dumping duty of 75.8% on Canadian canola seed imports, which took effect August 14, 2025. This new measure compounds existing trade barriers, including 100% tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal, stemming from China’s ongoing anti-discrimination investigation.

The meeting focused on coordinated efforts to defend Canada’s canola industry. In 2024, Canadian canola seed production generated $12.9 billion in farm cash receipts, making it the country’s most valuable principal field crop. China remains Canada’s largest export market for canola seed, accounting for 67% of total exports—approximately 5.9 million tonnes valued at $4 billion.

Leaders emphasized the importance of fair market access and committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with Chinese officials to resolve trade concerns. Discussions also explored support options for producers, including the federal government’s suite of business risk management (BRM) programs and a broader industrial strategy aimed at diversifying export markets.

As trade tensions continue, the Canadian government is expected to ramp up diplomatic efforts and explore alternative markets to ensure the long-term sustainability of the canola sector.

Premier Scott Moe said that he is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to personally engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve the dispute. “It isn’t going to be Premier Moe and President Xi that stand up and say, ‘We’ve come to a trade deal here and everything is good moving forward,’” Moe said.

Moe confirmed his plans to travel to China in the coming weeks to meet with officials, but emphasized that only Carney and Xi have the authority to broker a meaningful resolution.

“There will be opportunities for the president and the prime minister to meet, I think, when you look at the global calendar of events,” Moe told reporters after the meeting in Saskatoon.