Highlighting significant tariff relief

MP Pauline Rochefort is joining regional experts from the agriculture sector in Nipissing—Timiskaming in highlighting significant tariff relief by the People's Republic of China on Canadian canola.

“This is a welcome development for agricultural producers close to home and across the country,” said MP Rochefort. “We are appreciative of the work of Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Canadian delegation in securing a strategic partnership and a new Canada-China trade relationship.”

By March 1, Canada expects China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola to a combined rate of approximately 15 per cent, following an agreement in principle between the two countries reached in Beijing this week.

“Canola production is an important part of farming across the Nipissing—Timiskaming District and the easing of tariffs on canola is good news for local farmers, helping support the long-term stability of Northern agricultural communities,” said Norm Koch, President, Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture. 

China is a $4 billion canola seed market for Canadian producers, and this change represents a significant drop from current combined tariff levels of approximately 85 per cent.

“I believe there's going to be a world of optimism because of this news,” noted Denis Castonguay, General Manager, Co-operative Régionale de Nipissing Sudbury. “It's going to make the market bigger, thereby helping our producers get a better price for their commodities.

"There have been challenges because crop input prices have been going up and also the commodity prices are very volatile. We live in a world where prices are very difficult to predict. This news will help create stability in the market."

The greatest acreage of canola grown in Ontario can be found in the northern part of the Nipissing—Timiskaming riding, with some 15,000 acres farmed in 2024.

Terry Phillips, a long-time canola grower, Reeve of Kerns Township and an Ontario Canola Growers Committee member, concurs with Canada's trade strategy.

"To be able to trade off a few Chinese EVs was long overdue to open the door for a reduction on canola tariffs and hopefully open the door for continued discussion on pork and seafood products. Keep up the good work!"

Will Runnalls, Chair of Ontario Canola Growers added, “We welcome the announcement made in Beijing to provide significant tariff relief for Canadian canola seed and meal. China is important as it's the number one or two export market for Canola meal, seed and oil from Canada.”