Letter to the Editor — Justin Trudeau must take action to resolve Canada-China canola dispute

Dear Editor:

Recently, the Chinese government canceled the canola import permit for one of Canada’s largest grain processors — Winnipeg-based Richardson International, citing insect infestation concerns.

Conservatives know the issue at hand is not Canada’s canola product. Canada produces the best canola in the world. Rather, this calls into question Justin Trudeau’s ongoing failure to handle Canada’s relationship with China.

It is clear Canadian agricultural producers are paying for Justin Trudeau’s mistakes on the world stage. I am deeply concerned about the impacts these unfounded actions by the Chinese government will have on Canada’s agriculture and canola sector, as approximately 40 per cent of Canadian canola exports go to China, with a value of approximately $3.6B in 2017.

Canada’s Conservatives have requested an emergency meeting of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee to discuss the Trudeau government’s lack of action on this important file.

Justin Trudeau must stand up for Canada’s canola industry and demand the Chinese government stop these baseless actions against Canada’s agriculture sector.

Sincerely,
MP Glen Motz
Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner

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