Canada Acts NOW: Federal Support for Saskatchewan’s Canola Exports

URGENT UPDATE: Prime Minister Mark Carney is sending his parliamentary secretary to China to bolster Saskatchewan’s efforts in eliminating a crippling 75.8% tariff on canola exports. This decisive move comes as Saskatchewan grapples with a sharp decline in merchandise exports to China, which plummeted 21.1% in July alone.

Today’s announcement marks a critical step in addressing what officials are calling “trade irritants” between Canada and China. Carney’s office has confirmed that Kody Blois, the parliamentary secretary, will accompany Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding on an urgent trade mission to Asia starting Saturday.

In his social media post, Premier Moe emphasized, “Saskatchewan produces some of the most sustainable products in the world, and we’re making the case directly in Asia.” He indicated that negotiations will focus not only on canola but also on tariffs affecting pork and peas, essential products for the province’s economy.

The backdrop of this urgent mission stems from China’s recent imposition of a substantial tariff on Canadian canola seed, widely viewed as retaliation for Canada’s own 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. Premier Moe has called for a direct meeting between Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping to expedite the resolution of these trade issues.

The federal involvement in this trade dispute is crucial, as highlighted by local officials. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for the Battlefords, stated, “Having a federal presence on the trip to China is essential. We think it’s really important.” This sentiment is echoed by Kevin Kasun, who expressed concerns over the profound impact the canola tariffs have had on local farmers.

Critically, the Saskatchewan NDP has criticized the government for the delay in action, claiming it should have occurred six months ago. The party pointed to alarming statistics revealing a 28.8% year-to-date drop in exports to China and a staggering 48.5% decline from July 2024 to July 2025. NDP Shadow Minister for Trade and Export Development Kim Breckner stated, “It should not take six months of job-killing tariffs for this Premier to hop on a plane and start doing his job.”

As the trade mission approaches, all eyes are on the negotiations that could significantly influence Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector and its future in international markets. The urgency of these discussions is underscored by the fact that Saskatchewan’s exports to the United States have also declined sharply by 25.1% in the same period.

Officials are urging immediate action, with the hope that this mission will pave the way for a resolution that supports local producers and revitalizes trade relationships. The outcome of this high-stakes diplomatic effort could reshape Saskatchewan’s economy and impact farmers across the province.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as this developing story unfolds.