Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says China’s announcement to put preliminary tariffs of almost 76 per cent on Canadian canola will harm producers.
China is imposed the tariffs following an anti-dumping investigation launched last year in response to Canada’s tax on Chinese electric vehicles.
Moe says he expects to speak about the matter with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other ministers, as well as industry leaders.
The premier says the canola industry in Canada is significant and his government was hopeful a move like this could be avoided.
Moe says the shift in tone means provincial, national and industry leaders need to discuss how engagement is going to look in the coming days.
He adds Ottawa can’t sacrifice a billion-dollar industry that employs roughly 200-thousand people, mostly based in Western Canada.
Canada produces about 20-million tonnes of canola every year, most of which is grown in the Prairies.
Moe also says a trade mission to China has been considered.
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