Statement by Minister Carr on Canada taking WTO action for canola industry

September 6, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, today issued the following statement:

“Our government is committed to rules-based international trade and has continued to advocate on behalf of Canadian farming families since China raised concerns over Canadian canola earlier this year. We took immediate action, including by raising our concerns at the WTO General Council at the first opportunity in early May.

“We’ve supported Canadian farmers through ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders, robust increases to strengthen the Advance Payments Program, and an additional $150 million in insurance support to Canadian canola exporters through Export Development Canada. I also led a trade mission to Japan and South Korea that included key industry associations and provincial representatives

“Canada has continued to engage with China at various levels with a view to resolving the issue. In order to make progress, Canada is seeking bilateral consultations at the WTO, which is the usual next step when direct engagement does not lead to resolution. 

“Minister Bibeau and I take this file very seriously and we know that this is a difficult time for those farming families affected. We stand by our robust food inspection system and will continue to keep farmers, producers and other stakeholders informed of our progress.”