The majority of Canadians are in favour of lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles if it would help improve market access for Canadian canola, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute.
Of the 4,330 people surveyed, 57 per cent said they’d cut tariffs to make a deal on canola, while 24 per cent said they’d leave the duties as-is.
China imposed 75.8 per cent tariffs on Canadian canola seed in August, adding to 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil and meal and peas, and 25 per cent tariffs on seafood and pork levied earlier this year.
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The tariffs are widely believed to be in retaliation for Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.
Regional and party lines
Regionally, the preference for reducing EV tariffs was highest in Saskatchewan at 68 per cent, though a majority in all regions indicated they’d lower the duties.
The majority of respondents across all political party affiliations were in favour of reducing tariffs. The highest support was among NDP voters at 67 per cent, followed by Liberal voters at 64 per cent, Bloc Quebecois at 53 per cent, and Conservative at 52 per cent.
Asked earlier this month if dropping the tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles would help the canola sector, federal ag minister Heath MacDonald said the government was reviewing that policy.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who recently returned from a trade mission to China, told CBC that it was “is not as simple” as dropping tariffs to make a deal but that it’s important Ottawa finds a solution that works for all of Canada.
Supply management over auto sector
Surveyed Canadians also voiced support for the supply-managed sectors.
Asked if they would rather protect Canada’s supply-managed dairy and poultry sectors, even if it meant a worse outcome for auto exports to the U.S., or ensure strong access for Canadian autos at the expense of Canadian dairy and poultry, 62 per cent of Canadians chose supply management. Support was highest in Quebec, with 73 per cent choosing supply management. Support waned to 54 per cent in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Support for the supply-managed sectors was highest among Bloc Quebecois voters at 87 per cent and lowest among Conservative voters at 42 per cent.
