Carney sending MP Blois to China to help Saskatchewan push back on canola tariffs

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s parliamentary secretary will go to China to join Saskatchewan’s efforts to get Beijing to scrap its canola tariffs and address other “trade irritants,” the prime minister’s office said Thursday. 

Carney’s office said in a statement Nova Scotia MP Kody Blois plans to join Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for the three-day trade mission, which starts Saturday, to “engage constructively with Chinese officials.”

“We are taking action to protect hard-working canola producers, workers, and exporters, defend their fair access to global markets, and protect Canadian jobs,” it said.

“To that end, the government will announce additional measures in support of Canadian producers shortly.”

China hit Canadian canola seed with a 75.8 per cent tariff last month, a measure widely seen as a response to Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

Beijing had also slapped Canada with 100 per cent duties on peas, canola oil and canola meal, along with 25 per cent levies on Canadian pork and seafood. 

Moe has called for Carney to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve trade issues. Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have also urged Ottawa to remove its tariff on Chinese EVs.