NDP reaction to China’s new tariffs on Canadian canola

NDP critic for Agriculture Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) and NDP critic for International Trade Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona) released the following statement:

“New Democrats are alarmed by China’s announcement on Tuesday of additional tariffs on Canadian canola. This demands urgent action from the Liberal government.

Canola is one of Canada’s most valuable agricultural exports, and hardworking Canadian canola farmers—as well as the entire canola industry—are now facing a crisis. Existing Chinese tariffs on canola oil and meal have already had a devastating impact, particularly in Saskatchewan. These new tariffs, which now include canola seed, will only deepen the hardship for families and communities across the country.

Farmers are already struggling with the effects of climate change, including drought and lower yields, along with soaring input costs.

While we acknowledge that Canada has initiated a dispute settlement process at the World Trade Organization, the Liberal government must do more to mitigate the impacts of these trade measures on working Canadians. This includes accelerating efforts to diversify our trade relationships.

New Democrats have consistently stood with Canadian farmers, while successive Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to offer meaningful support in difficult times. To help farmers weather the storm, we are once again calling on the federal government to increase the cap on cash advances under the Advance Payments Program to exceed the current limit of $250,000.”