Pulse Canada is calling on all political parties to put trade front and centre, saying our country’s position as a trusted global trading partner must be a priority.
The national organization representing pea, lentil, bean, chickpea and fababean producers notes that 85 per cent of production is exported each year. China currently has a 100 per cent duty on yellow peas, while India has an 11 per cent tariff on imports of Canadian lentils.
Pulse Canada prepared the following news release:
“Canada cannot afford to rely on empty rhetoric,” said Pulse Canada Chair Terry Youzwa. “It’s time for real diplomacy to eliminate trade barriers. Our future depends on leaders who are ready to champion a bold, proactive trade agenda.”
With a shifting and increasingly unpredictable global trade environment, Canada’s future depends on cultivating strong, reliable markets—both within North America and beyond. China, for example, imports on average over $700 million worth of Canadian yellow peas each year. Recent trade disputes—including new tariffs on peas, canola, meat, and seafood—highlight the urgent need for a diplomatic solution.
Following a recent trip to China, Pulse Canada President Greg Cherewyk and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Executive Director Carl Potts reinforced the message that engagement and diplomacy are not just possible—they’re crucial.
“As a nation built on trade, Canada must lead by example, strengthening relationships through mutual respect and open markets,” said Cherewyk. “Now more than ever, those running for office must demonstrate they understand the needs of our sector and share a clear plan to ensure Canada remains a global leader in agricultural exports. We expect that plan to include immediate engagement with China to resolve the current dispute threatening one of our largest markets for peas.”
Pulse Canada is encouraging its members to engage with local candidates to understand their plans for securing Canada’s place in the global marketplace. The organization will continue to work with politicians of all stripes to advance the interests of Canada’s pulse sector.
