Tariffs are beginning to add up in Canada, and Alberta is no exception.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, R.J. Sigurdson, says the threat of these tariffs has caused the agriculture industry to be tossed many challenges.
The federal government has already responded to the tariffs placed on Canada by the United States with an immediate 25 per cent tariff on $30 billion worth of American imports, and they will be implementing an additional $125 billion on April 2.
"Canada has also requested consultations with the U.S. at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on import tariffs for Canadian goods," explained Sigurdson. "This would be the first stage of formal dispute settlement within the WTO. We are profoundly disappointed by the American administration’s decision to impose tariffs as Canada and the United States have been close trading partners for many years."
Sigurdson added that the continued and expanded cooperation between Canada and the U.S. is in the best interest of citizens in both countries because the agriculture industries in both countries are highly integrated.
However, the American tariffs are not the only new ones being implemented, as China announced on March 8 that they will also be placing new tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, which include canola oil, pork, and peas.
"These tariffs, along with those threatened by the U.S., will have a devastating impact on hard-working farmers, ranchers, and food processors caught in the political crossfire. Alberta’s agriculture industry is world-class, and we’re committed to expanding markets despite these challenges, but we need the federal government to step up and address the trade issues they have contributed to. We will continue to advocate for our producers and work with our partners to safeguard access to key markets like China, to ensure a vibrant future for Alberta’s agriculture." Sigurdson says.
As a result of these tariffs, the Alberta government has created a "Buy Local" campaign, which will help consumers to easily identify and choose Alberta and Canadian-made food and products on the shelf.
Through this campaign, Alberta's farmers, ranchers, and food processors will be supported, as the campaign will help encourage consumers to purchase local, as well as expand awareness of local products, which, according to Sigurdson, will help to bolster Alberta pride and inspire loyalty of Alberta-made products.
"Choosing local products at farmers’ markets and grocery stores keeps Albertans’ hard-earned dollars in our province. Alberta consumers are being encouraged, through this campaign, to support the hard-working, dedicated folks producing safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world."
This campaign was initially announced in early March, and the full media release can be found here.