Canadian farmers found themselves on the receiving end of support from the federal government, tariff threats from the U.S. and the imposition of tariffs from another country in recent days.
On March 7, for example. President Trump threatened tariffs against Canadian dairy and lumber.
“Canada has been ripping us off for years on tariffs for lumber and for dairy products,” he said in the Oval Office. “(A) 250 per cent tariff, which is taking advantage of our farmers.”
The president promised to “charge the same thing.”
Canada’s tariffs on dairy only apply after a certain quantity of tariff-free dairy sales are reached.
Also on March 7, the federal government announced $6.5 billion of supports.
$1 billion is dedicated to Farm Credit Canada to launch a trade disruption customer support program.
The program includes access to an additional credit line up to $500,000 and new term loans.
And Export Development Canada will receive $5 billion over two years to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian goods.