QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
China--Canola Exports
April 3, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. On Monday, the government announced that they are reaching out to Chinese officials to figure out or to search for a science-based understanding of China’s recent ban on canola, specifically that of the companies Richardson and Viterra.
I was disappointed to hear Minister Carr publicly concede that there might actually be a problem with the quality of our canola. I don’t think anyone believes our product is contaminated. China is known to be not exactly a fair trader — some people even use the word bully. We discussed this matter a couple of years ago.
Seeding has now begun. Farmers in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba do not have the luxury of waiting to see what will happen and what might be the result of some trip to China. China takes 45 per cent of our canola exports in this country. It’s a $3 billion industry.
Chinese officials, we understand, will be in Washington this week. Is there any thought that we might reach out to our colleagues in the United States and ask them for help on this file?
I thank the honourable senator for her question. This is a subject that has been raised recently by the honourable senator and others in this chamber. All senators will know that this is an important issue for Canadian farmers and it needs to be put in the context of an important set of challenging issues in our bilateral relationship with China at this moment.
What the government is seeking to do in respect of the canola issue is to bring the scientific facts to the fore and engage China on the basis of those facts. If there are concerns, let’s hear them. Let’s have the exchange with the appropriate experts so that it is not an issue that can be influenced by the overall context of other issues that are challenging the relationship.
The government has indicated it is prepared to have such senior officials visit China. With respect to taking advantage of the discussions at the senior level that are happening in the United States on a broader set of issues, the Government of Canada is always looking for like-minded understanding of and support for improving the trade and bilateral relations with China and dealing with irritants such as this that are also, frankly, on the radar screen of other countries that are engaged in trade with China.
Have the Chinese agreed to meet with senior Canadian officials? Can you tell us who those officials might be and what the timeline is?
My understanding at this moment is that timelines and confirmation of a visit are not yet complete, but the government is actively pursuing just such an engagement at the highest level.
