End EV Tariffs To Save Canola Farmers
Canadian canola farmers are under attack.
But not from where you might expect.
This week, China imposed a 75.8% tariff on canola seed, adding to the 100% tariffs already in place on canola meal and oil.
With these fees, one of Canada’s most important agricultural markets is effectively closed.
But China isn't actually the source of their problems.
Rather, China's tariffs are a direct political response to the 100% tariffs that were imposed on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) by our federal Liberal government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
That's right: the same Ottawa that loves to complain about tariffs being imposed on Canada has actually been imposing all sorts of tariffs of its own on other countries, which are now creating a backlash.
Of course, we all know China's trade policies aren't perfectly fair.
But we should also remember that in trade - as in life - two wrongs don't make a right.
In fact, in this case, basic economics tells us that two wrongs make an even bigger wrong.
Ottawa's protectionist policies were designed to "support" Eastern manufacturers who would otherwise have to compete against cheaper, more advanced Chinese EVs.
The only problem is that Eastern manufacturers are barely selling any EVs anyway, even after the tariffs were introduced.
(For the record, we think Canadians should be free to buy whatever vehicle they want, from whatever country they want, and with any type of engine they want.)
Western Canadian farmers built an industry worth more than $43 billion annually, supporting roughly 200,000 jobs.
But we're going to throw all that away in an attempt to prop up an industry in the East that barely even exists in the first place.
Why is it that the West always seems to suffer, while government attention and handouts flow East?
Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba produce nearly all of Canada’s canola, and farmers in those provinces help supply food not just to Canadians but to our trading partners around the world.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is “considering measures” to support farmers and will continue discussions with agriculture groups.
But the solution isn't yet more subsidies and more government handouts.
The solution is more free trade!
Our farmers need the ability to sell their products abroad without punitive, politically motivated tariffs.
Enough is enough.
If you agree, please join our campaign to End EV Tariffs To Save Canola Farmers!
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