Scott Moe Welcomes PM Carney’s China Trade Visit

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to China, saying it is an important step toward resolving trade issues that continue to hurt Canadian farmers.

Moe said he is pleased that Carney will travel to China next week to discuss trade, as heavy Chinese tariffs remain in place on Canadian canola products. He expressed hope that the talks will help improve market access for canola, a key Prairie crop that has faced restrictions since the spring.

China currently imposes a 76 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed. The move is widely viewed as retaliation for Canada’s decision to apply a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

In addition to canola seed, Beijing has also placed duties on other Canadian exports, including canola oil and meal, peas, pork, and certain seafood products. These measures followed Canada’s tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.

Premier Moe said Canada must take a sincere and practical approach in dealing with China.

“If Canada is truly serious about securing, diversifying, and expanding markets around the world, China is a country we need to engage with seriously,” Moe said in a social media statement.

Moe himself visited China in September alongside federal officials as part of efforts to find a solution to the ongoing trade dispute.

Prime Minister Carney is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This will be the first official visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years, marking a significant moment in Canada–China relations.