Canola farmers are deeply disappointed that Bill C-202 swiftly passed in a new Parliament, bypassing the stakeholder consultation process that typically would happen with a bill that has significant implications for a trade-dependent sector like canola.
Bill C-202, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management), fast-tracked through the House of Commons being introduced on May 29, and sent to the Senate by unanimous vote in the House of Commons on June 5 – with no debate or consultation from impacted stakeholders. In the Senate, the bill also moved quickly, being introduced on June 10 and passed on June 17. The bill awaits royal assent.
“Ninety percent of canola grown in Canada is exported, and we are deeply concerned that Bill C-202 will significantly weaken Canada’s position in international trade negotiations by tying the hands of our trade negotiators,” says Rick White, President & CEO of Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “The lack of consultation with affected stakeholders in a new Parliament is also particularly worrisome.”
As an export-dependent sector, canola is already facing heightened trade volatility. China, Canada’s second-largest canola market valued at $4.9 billion in 2024, is imposing 100% tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal and continues with an ongoing anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola seed. The U.S., canola farmers’ single largest market valued at $7.7 billion in 2024, has faced recent trade turbulence, and the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is also planned for 2026.
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