Staring down a $40M tariff bill, this American importer is suing Trump to end some tariffs on Canada

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Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Agriculture, Industry]

The U.S. food distributor Gellert Global Group is suing the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade to overturn a 50 per cent tariff bill estimated at $40 million US on Canadian dairy and food imports. Filed by the Liberty Justice Center, the lawsuit challenges the administration's reliance on Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act (Smoot-Hawley Act), arguing the executive branch lacks the statutory authority to impose sweeping punitive tariffs under the guise of foreign trade discrimination. The disputed trade actions affect approximately $80 million US in annual Canadian cheese imports, including products from Mariposa Dairy in Lindsay, Ontario, while domestic dairy processors face supply shortages and potential permanent loss of commercial shelf space.

Innovation Saskatchewan Launches ACRE Program to Accelerate Agtech Commercialization

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 21:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Economy, Technology, Agriculture, Industry]

Innovation Saskatchewan has launched the Agtech Commercialization Readiness (ACRE) program, providing up to $30,000 in funding for on-farm pilot projects that connect local agtech companies with agricultural producers and industry partners. Administered by Innovation Saskatchewan and supported by organizations such as the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, the program builds on the previous Made In Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) model to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of emerging agricultural technologies.

A New Approach to Leasing Agricultural Crown Land

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Agriculture, Economy, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is transitioning to a new ongoing allocation model for agricultural Crown land leases, replacing the previous single annual offering system. Starting November 9, 2026, eligible agricultural Crown land leases, including expired leases, will be offered on an ongoing basis online through McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. as they become available. The policy aims to create a more responsive, transparent, and accessible lease allocation process that aligns with producer needs while maintaining public transparency and equal treatment for agricultural producers. Interested bidders must meet specific eligibility requirements published on saskatchewan.ca, with lease opportunities posted online at saskatchewan.ca/crownlands and mcdougallauction.com.

Maine senator says ‘tariff exemptions’ coming for some Canadian goods

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 18:59:20.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Agriculture, Economy]

Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is granting tariff exemptions on nine specific categories of Canadian agricultural and packaging goods crucial to Maine industries. The targeted exemptions include corrugated paper or paperboard cartons and boxes, plastic packing bags, refrigeration equipment, agricultural machinery, and seaweed products. The announcement comes amid a tight midterm election campaign where Sen. Collins is facing a dead-heat race against Democrat Troy Jackson, and follows industry complaints regarding supply chain disruptions and a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. As of publication, neither President Trump nor the White House has formally confirmed the statement or detailed the duration of the exemptions.

Trump to exempt some Canadian products from tariffs amid midterm pressure

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 18:44:33.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Agriculture, Industry]

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is poised to lift 50 per cent tariffs—originally imposed in August in retaliation for Canadian countermeasures—on specific Canadian products, including paper and plastic items, refrigeration and packaging equipment, agricultural machinery, and seaweed and algae products. U.S. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine announced the impending exemptions following intense lobbying by border-state businesses and agricultural producers, such as Maine blueberry growers reliant on Canadian harvesting boxes and cardboard totes, who faced acute supply shortages and political pressures ahead of the November U.S. midterms. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada remains open to a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S. that protects Canadian interests, noting the government is under no deadline to rush a deal.

Advocates flag contributions, not costs, of newcomers in Alberta referendum aftermath

Source: Alberta - Provincial Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 12:21:33.0
Tags: [Alberta, Immigration, Labour, Healthcare, Economy, Agriculture]

Following an Alberta referendum where a slim majority of voters supported limiting access to or charging fees for provincially funded services based on immigration status, advocates and industry groups have warned of negative economic and operational impacts. Premier Danielle Smith’s government had estimated that healthcare and education costs for temporary residents total $1 billion annually. However, union representatives from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 at the Cargill abattoir in High River, alongside the Christian Health Association of Alberta and the Business Council of Alberta, emphasized the critical economic contributions of newcomers, noting that immigrants paid an estimated $4.1 billion in Alberta personal income taxes in 2026.

Fisheries minister travelling to China ahead of lobster, crab tariff deadline

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-15 14:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Fisheries, Agriculture, Economy]

Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson is scheduled to travel to China at the end of October 2026 to negotiate market access and a potential extension for the suspension of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian lobster and crab. The tariff, which impacts approximately 80 per cent of Canadian seafood exports to China, was originally imposed in 2025 following Canadian duties on Chinese steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles, before being temporarily suspended in January under a trade arrangement. In 2024, Canada exported $1.3 billion in seafood to China, making it Canada's second-largest seafood export partner out of total national fish and seafood exports valued at $8.5 billion across 114 countries.

Saskatchewan Ministers Forge Pathways in India

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-10 02:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Trade, Economy, Agriculture, Resources, Education]

Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding and Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff are leading a trade and academic mission to India from October 10 to 16, 2026, to advance bilateral partnerships in food security, critical minerals, energy, and higher education. The ministers will participate in the federal Team Canada Trade Mission programming in Mumbai on October 14, alongside representatives from the University of Saskatchewan. In 2025, Saskatchewan exports to India reached $827 million—primarily driven by potash, lentils, and peas—with trade increasing by 155 per cent year-to-date in 2026, building on past successes such as Cameco's $2.6 billion agreement with India's Department of Atomic Energy.

2027 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-07 21:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Agriculture, Education, Economy]

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have opened applications for the 2027 Agriculture Student Scholarship, which is funded through the federal-provincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Four scholarships are available to eligible Saskatchewan high school and CAEC graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary education, featuring a top prize of $6,000 and three runner-up awards of $3,000 each. Applicants must submit a three-minute video or 1,000-word essay addressing solutions to challenges in agriculture by the March 1, 2027 deadline. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents a five-year, $3.5-billion federal, provincial, and territorial investment running from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.

Liberals look to amend 31 laws at once in attempt to reduce red tape

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 20:55:26.0
Tags: [National, Governance, Economy, Industry, Agriculture]

The Liberal government introduced Bill S-7, a legislative package designed to amend 31 federal laws simultaneously to reduce bureaucratic red tape following a cross-departmental regulatory review ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney in July 2025. Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali confirmed the legislation targets areas identified by federal departments, including fertilizer regulations, bankruptcy procedures, Canadian Dairy Commission appointments, animal waste management, and the adoption of electronic tools and new technologies.

Saskatchewan Welcomes Canada's Diplomatic Corps

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-06 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Trade, Economy, Agriculture, Energy, Resources]

From October 6 to 8, 2026, an international delegation from Canada's Diplomatic Corps—hosted by Global Affairs Canada and representing countries including Bulgaria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Slovenia, Tanzania, and Zambia—is visiting Saskatchewan to examine the province's role in global food and energy security. Premier Scott Moe noted that Saskatchewan exported products to more than 160 countries in the previous year. During the mission, the delegation is scheduled to meet with provincial government representatives, Indigenous leaders, and educational and research institutions, including the Canadian Light Source, Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute, George Gordon First Nation Wicehtowak Solar Project, Saskatchewan Research Council, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

P.E.I. fibre artisans rely on locals amid U.S. trade rules

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-03 21:03:04.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Trade, Economy, Industry, Agriculture]

Changes in U.S. trade policy, specifically the implementation of 50 per cent tariffs in August and the removal of the $800 US duty-free exemption threshold, have significantly impacted small Canadian fibre businesses such as Fleece and Harmony in Belfast, P.E.I. Kim Doherty-Smith, owner of Fleece and Harmony and chairperson of the P.E.I. Fibre Festival, reported that retail shipments to the U.S. plummeted from 40 per cent to 10 per cent of her business before ceasing entirely due to unpredictable brokerage, duty, and tax fees imposed on American consumers. Consequently, local artisans and vendors like Fleece and Harmony and Louis & Jane are increasingly relying on domestic consumer support and alternative regional sourcing from Ontario and the United Kingdom to sustain operations.

P.E.I.'s deficit nearly double the amount projected in budget, audited financial statements show

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-02 20:00:25.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Finance, Healthcare, Agriculture, Economy]

The Prince Edward Island government released its audited financial statements showing a fiscal year 2025-26 deficit of $355.5 million, nearly double the initial budget projection of $183.9 million. The higher deficit was driven by significant over-budget expenditures, including $127.1 million extra spent on health care and $64.1 million over budget in the Department of Agriculture primarily due to crop insurance claims for potatoes and soybeans following drought conditions. Consequently, the province's net debt reached $3.7 billion as of March 31, 2026, translating to roughly $20,224 per resident, while provincial tax revenues remained closely aligned with the original budget within a 0.3 per cent margin.

What's the state of Canada's trade talks with the U.S.?

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-29 21:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Prince Edward Island, Trade, Agriculture, Economy]

Federal Agriculture Minister and Prince Edward Island Member of Parliament Heath MacDonald returned to Parliament Hill to address ongoing trade negotiations and a trade war with the United States. In discussions with CBC News, MacDonald focused on the impact on the Canadian economy and the federal government's efforts to identify and establish new international partnerships. The developments come amid heightened bilateral tensions involving various tariff disputes and trade envoy communications between Canada and the United States.

Ontario Protecting Workers and Businesses From Latest U.S. Trade Actions

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Date: 2026-09-29 13:30:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Trade, Economy, Industry, Agriculture]

In response to new U.S. import bans and section 338 tariff measures effective September 29, 2026, targeting Canadian alcohol, dairy products, and motorcycles, the Government of Ontario is expanding eligibility under the $1 billion Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) and the $150 million Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). These funding programs provide loans and grants to help impacted businesses cover payroll, lease payments, and utilities, while supporting supply chain reshoring and market diversification away from the United States. The province is also leveraging retaliatory trade measures—including restrictions on U.S. alcohol and public procurement—and fostering interprovincial trade, such as a direct-to-consumer alcohol sales agreement between nine provinces and territories, alongside targeted export missions.

U.S. bans on Canadian booze hit producers on one of the trade war's thorniest fronts

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-29 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Trade, Economy, Industry, Agriculture]

As part of an escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, the U.S. federal government implemented an import ban prohibiting certain Canadian products—including specific alcohol items, dairy byproducts, molasses, and motorcycles—from crossing the border entirely. The restrictions disproportionately affect independent operators like British Columbia-based distillery Sons of Vancouver, while sparing major multinational spirits companies due to exemptions for bulk shipments over certain volumes. Trade data shows the U.S. previously imported $673 million US in spirits from Canada in 2025, with Spirits Canada noting that about 93 per cent of exported Canadian liquor is destined for the U.S. market. The measures follow retaliatory moves by Canadian provincial premiers who pulled U.S.-made alcohol from provincially run liquor store shelves in March 2025 in response to initial American tariffs.

Competition Bureau investigates minimum advertised pricing policies in grocery sector

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-28 15:34:28.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Affordability, Agriculture]

The Competition Bureau has launched an official investigation into minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policies utilized within Canada's grocery sector. Led by interim competition commissioner Jeanne Pratt, the watchdog is examining whether these pricing rules restrict grocers from advertising their lowest prices, limit price competition, erect barriers for discount and new grocers, and facilitate price coordination among major retailers. The agency is actively soliciting evidence from industry participants and consumers to assess the impact of these pricing restrictions on food affordability and consumer choice across the food supply chain.

Alberta counts the cost of a border with Canada, as the referendum nears

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-09-25 14:42:50.0
Tags: [Alberta, Economy, Trade, Energy, Governance, Agriculture]

Ahead of an October 19 referendum on Alberta separation from Canada, studies commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the province outline severe economic risks, including $50 billion to $170 billion in setup costs and potential losses affecting 330,000 jobs directly or indirectly supported by interprovincial trade. University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe estimated that Alberta's trade with the rest of Canada supports 13 percent of the provincial workforce, while Ontario trades heavily with Alberta, supporting roughly 230,000 Ontario jobs and $34 billion in income. Proponents of separation, such as constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson of the Alberta Transition Council, argue that the province holds major leverage through critical energy exports like the Trans Mountain pipeline.

Islanders will pay less at the pump starting Saturday as P.E.I. suspends provincial fuel tax

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-25 14:05:00.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Taxation, Affordability, Economy, Agriculture, Transportation]

The Government of Prince Edward Island announced a four-month suspension of its provincial fuel tax on gasoline and diesel, effective from September 26, 2026, until January 31, 2027. The tax break eliminates the 8.47 cents per litre tax on gasoline and the 14.15 cents per litre tax on diesel, dropping both rates to zero to provide relief amid high global oil prices. Following the suspension, from February 1 to March 31, 2027, the tax will return at half its current rate (4.24 cents per litre for gasoline and 7.08 cents per litre for diesel) before being fully restored on April 1, 2027. The policy impacts provincial revenue previously budgeted at approximately $28.2 million in gasoline-tax collection for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, compounding existing concerns over P.E.I.'s projected $410 million deficit and growing debt.

Vietnam's president upgrades Canada to strategic partner during state visit

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-25 00:01:25.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Agriculture, Energy]

Vietnamese President Tô Lâm undertook a state visit to Ottawa to upgrade bilateral ties with Canada to a strategic partnership, collaborating with Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen middle-power alignment against American and Chinese economic coercion. Global Affairs Canada data shows that two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam surpassed $20 billion last year, making Vietnam Canada's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. The renewed partnership encompasses expanded co-operation in energy, agriculture, defence, technology, and prospective direct commercial air travel, while aligning both nations' supply chain diversification strategies under the CPTPP trade framework.