Grainswest - Fall 2025

Fall 2025 Grains West 24 agency to protect their own interests. This has ultimately proven to be the country’s biggest single internal trade barrier. A survey by the Confederation of Tomorrow showed that between 2019 and 2025, Canadian attitudes on interprovincial trade barriers are largely unchanged. In 2019, 23 per cent believed provincial governments should not be allowed to protect local businesses and keep out other provinces offering the same good or service. That number in 2025 was 22 per cent. Quebec, which has the most provincial protections, has the largest support for blocking other provinces from coming in with goods and services at 37 per cent. Newfoundland and Labrador was the lowest at 20 per cent while Alberta sat at 25 per cent. Alberta and B.C. tied for first to say no regarding the ability for a province to favour local businesses and prevent businesses elsewhere in Canada selling the same product in their province at 27 per cent. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES One of Canada’s top priorities for the foreseeable future appears to be the Indo-Pacific region. Global Affairs Canada has even produced its own Indo-Pacific strategy and in early 2024, it set up a new office and team in Manila to boost on-the-ground partnerships and increase face time to promote the high quality and sustainable production methods of Canadian food. The federal government refused requests for an interview but did provide answers and commentary via email. “Through the [Manila office], Canada is amplifying its diversification efforts, advocating for science- and rules-based trade,” said Global Affairs Canada spokesman John Babcock. He added it also supports Canadian exporters as they increase their product volumes going abroad. “We are committed to working hand-in- hand with industry to diversify trade of Canada’s high-quality agriculture and agri-food products.” On its website, the federal government notes the region will account for half the world’s GDP and two-thirds of its population by 2040. In just five years’ time, it adds, two-thirds of the world’s middle-class citizens will reside within the Indo-Pacific. With 27 countries included in this area, and $47.9 trillion in economic activity, it’s clear why Canada wants to export a greater slice of pie. FEATURE Actor MikeMyers famously cheered Canadian resistance to U.S. tariffs with his elbows-up reference to the nation’s favourite sport. PrimeMinister Mark Carney enthusiastically embraced the message. Photo by Lars Hagberg.