MPs are returning to Ottawa for the opening of the 45th session of Parliament, and among them is Alberta Foothills MP John Barlow, the Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food. Barlow is gearing up for what he describes as a challenging time for both the country and the agriculture sector, particularly due to ongoing trade and tariff issues.
Barlow highlighted the significant impact of tariffs on canola, pork, and seafood products in China, which he believes are more consequential for Western Canadian farm families than other political issues. "Interesting during the election where the focus was all on Trump. But for those of us in Western Canada, the real challenge was the tariffs on canola, pork, and seafood products in China. That's something that we need to see resolved as quickly as possible. That is certainly more consequential for our farm families in Western Canada than what Trump is threatening. We're kind of battling a war on two fronts. We need some leadership here to get these things addressed," Barlow stated.
As the session begins, Barlow is ready to hold the Carney government and Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald accountable. He's concerned about MacDonald's ability to advocate for farmers, citing past inaction during the PEI potato crisis. "The proof will be in the pudding if he actually accomplishes what we've been waiting for and we have not seen in ten years under the Liberal government. An agriculture minister who has some authority and influence at the cabinet table; that just has not been the case. I'm not enthusiastic because Heath MacDonald is a member of Parliament for Malbec, Prince Edward Island. That was the epicenter of the PEI potato crisis. Where the Liberal government made a knee-jerk reaction and banned potato exports out of PEI to the United States. A ban that still exists on PEI seed potatoes, and for all intents and purposes has destroyed that industry. This was a member of Parliament whose farmers are in his riding and he said nothing, he did nothing. So, pardon me if I'm worried that if he won't even stand up in the House of Commons or in the media to defend his own farmers, who are his own constituents. I'm a little leery that he's going to stand up and protect farmers right across Canada and be their voice, not only at the cabinet table but on the global stage."
Barlow also criticized the short session, noting that MPs are only scheduled to be back for three weeks before the summer break. "The Liberals are calling us back to have three weeks of pomp and circumstance of a flashy throne speech, but no budget. You know, no outline of a plan to address the trade issues with China and the United States. We're going to be there for three weeks, and then the Prime Minister is going to take an extended vacation. That's unacceptable. There are too many crises and issues that need to be resolved. So, I think we're ready to go to work. We're asking the Liberals to stay and work and get a budget. So, Canadians can understand the fiscal situation we're facing and to address some of these trade issues, which certainly impacts agriculture and industries across the country."
Barlow emphasized several key issues that need to be addressed for the agriculture sector, including trade irritants with China and the United States, a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, and the impact of the industrial carbon tax. He also mentioned the importance of rebuilding relationships with trusted trading partners and addressing interprovincial trade barriers. "Trade irritants with China and the United States, a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. What is going to be the impact of the industrial carbon tax that the Liberals are going to maintain? What is that going to look like? What is the impact that is going to have on Canadian farmers? Certainly, fertilizer tariffs, tariffs on fertilizer, our infrastructure, you know, rebuilding those relationships with their most trusted trading partner. But I think also interprovincial trade. You know, certainly through the campaign, what Trump has been doing has opened up a window of opportunity where Canadians are in support of pipelines, eliminating these irritants, and interprovincial trade barriers. So I think there are a number of priorities, front-of-pack labeling. There are certainly some things that we can try to accomplish as quickly as possible, but we need the House to be in session, and we need the committees like the Agriculture Committee to be reestablished and getting to work."
Today, MPs will elect a speaker of the House of Commons; and tomorrow, King Charles III will deliver the throne speech.