Premier calls to end Chinese EV tariffs for canola and pork industry

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with reporters in Winnipeg on Sept. 25, 2025. (Glenn Pismenny/CTV News Winnipeg)

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to take action on resolving a trade dispute with China.

On Saturday, Kinew sent a letter to Carney’s office referencing recent remarks by the Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di. In an exclusive interview with CTV Question Period airing on Sunday, the ambassador said that China is prepared to lift retaliatory tariffs on canola and pork if Canada removes the 100-per-cent tariff on electric vehicles made in China.

“This is a critical moment,” Kinew said in his letter. “The retaliatory tariffs imposed by China have already caused steep price declines for canola, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Manitoba farmers and the stability of rural communities.”

In addition to the canola industry, Kinew also mentioned the impact on the province’s pork industry. “One large vertically integrated producer is noting a $19 million negative impact on an annualized basis.

“Every day these tariffs remain in place, the harm to prairie producers deepens,” the letter read.

Premier also said Canada’s current approach has created a “two-front trade war,” stating that while protecting the auto sector is important, the approach also “disproportionately impacts Western Canada.”

Pursue a negotiated resolution

Kinew concluded his letter with a call to action: “eliminate the EV tariff in exchange for restoring full access for Canadian agricultural products to the Chinese market.

“This would uphold regional fairness and prevent further damage to producers and families.”

The premier offered opportunities for further collaboration and discussion to ensure the industry has the support it needs.