Prime Minister Carney Meets Saskatchewan Leaders to Address Canola Tariffs

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is holding crucial meetings today with his cabinet, Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe, and representatives from the canola industry. These discussions are aimed at addressing the recent challenges facing Canadian canola exports, particularly the steep tariffs imposed by China.

Cabinet Meeting and Industry Concerns

The prime minister will convene his cabinet at 10:00 a.m. This meeting is expected to focus on various national issues, including economic strategies related to agriculture and trade. Following the cabinet session, Carney will meet with Premier Moe in the afternoon, where they will discuss the impact of international trade policies on Saskatchewan’s canola sector.

Later in the day, Carney will engage with canola industry leaders, including Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. They will be joined by Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. The discussions will likely revolve around strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of the tariffs.

Impact of Chinese Tariffs

China has recently imposed a staggering 76 percent tariff on Canadian canola seed. This measure is widely interpreted as retaliation against Canada’s own trade restrictions, including a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and similar duties on canola oil and meal. The situation escalated after Canada imposed a 25 percent tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum.

Earlier this month, Moe and Blois visited China, where they met with officials overseeing the tariffs on canola products. They aimed to engage with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and other industry officials to discuss the impact of these tariffs on Canadian farmers and exporters.

As both nations grapple with these trade tensions, the outcome of today’s meetings could significantly influence future relations between Canada and China, especially within the agricultural sector. The Canadian government is under pressure to find solutions that will support local farmers and stabilize the canola market.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 16, 2025.