Saskatchewan's Premier Advocates for Canada-China Trade Dialogue

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, has voiced his support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s forthcoming trip to China, deeming it a vital move to tackle ongoing trade complications affecting Canadian agricultural producers.

Moe expressed approval for Carney’s travel to China next week to engage in discussions regarding trade issues, specifically as high Chinese tariffs continue to restrict Canadian canola products. He hopes the negotiations will enhance market access for canola, a crucial crop in the Prairie region that has been facing trade barriers since spring.

Currently, China enforces a steep 76 percent tariff on Canadian canola seed, a strategy many perceive as retaliation against Canada’s imposition of a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

Beyond canola seed, Beijing has also levied tariffs on other Canadian goods, including canola oil, meal, pork, peas, and selected seafood items. This followed Canada’s tariffs targeting Chinese steel and aluminum.

Premier Moe emphasized the necessity for Canada to engage with China in a thoughtful and practical manner.

“If Canada is earnest about broadening and diversifying global markets, China is a key nation we must engage with seriously,” Moe stated via social media.

In September, Moe himself visited China alongside federal representatives as part of efforts to resolve the lingering trade conflict.

Prime Minister Carney is anticipated to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This marks the first official visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to China in over eight years, a significant milestone in the Canada-China relationship.