As the prime minister prepares to visit China, his parliamentary secretary, MP Kody Blois, says Mark Carney wants to “recalibrate” Canada’s strained relationship with Beijing and explore economic opportunities.
Blois said the trip signals a turning point and that Carney believes there is room for partnership between the two countries. During the visit, Carney is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will then travel to Qatar and Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The China visit is being closely watched in Western Canada, especially by Prairie provinces calling on Ottawa to lift tariffs placed on Chinese-made electric vehicles in 2024. China responded with tariffs on Canadian canola, seafood and pork. Blois said the federal government sees potential for co-operation in agriculture and agri-food, but would not say if any deals are expected right away.
Saskatchewan canola farmers say the tariffs have caused major financial losses. While some hope the visit could lead to talks, they are not expecting immediate relief.
At the same time, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged Carney to hold firm on the EV tariffs, arguing Canada should not back down. China’s ambassador to Canada has said electric vehicle maker BYD previously considered investing in Canada but faced too many barriers.
Carney’s trip will be the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, after relations cooled sharply following the detention of two Canadians in China in 2018. Some former officials and analysts say engagement with China is necessary, but warn it should not come at the cost of Canada’s national security.
Blois said dialogue is essential, even if there are limits to how closely the two countries can work together.
