Ottawa pushes China on canola tariffs during trade mission

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Kody Blois, pictured with a canola farmer and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. / FACEBOOK PHOTO

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Kody Blois says Canadians can expect more high-level visits to China as Ottawa looks to resolve a trade dispute that has hit Canadian canola exports.

From Sept. 6 to 9, Blois joined Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on a trade mission to China, where the delegation pressed Beijing officials to drop tariffs on Canadian canola.

“You’re going to see an increased presence of federal ministers visiting China, engaging with their counterparts, and I think there’s ultimately an opportunity for more dialogue on the trade irritants that exist between our two countries,” Blois said.

During the four-day trip, Blois met with China’s Executive Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang and other officials. “I would characterize the meetings as positive. It was an opportunity for re-engagement,” he said.

Blois underscored in a federal government statement Canada’s commitment to supporting farmers affected by the Chinese tariffs and highlighted recently announced measures to help canola producers contend with trade uncertainty.

“It is no secret that the relationship between Canada and China has not been in a great place over the last number of years, but I certainly give full credit to Premier Moe for his engagement and I was very pleased to join on behalf of the government of Canada,” Blois said.

China imposed tariffs of 76 per cent on Canadian canola seed and 100 per cent on canola oil, meal and peas earlier this year, after Ottawa introduced a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in line with U.S. policy.