Alberta Canola Request for Compensation for Damages Due to Trade Disruptions
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Date: May 8, 2026
The Honourable Heath MacDonald
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Finance and National Revenue
Government of Canada
Ottawa, ON
Re: Alberta Canola Growers’ Request for Compensation for Damages Resulting from Federal Trade Action in 2024 that closed the Chinese market for Canadian Canola
Dear Ministers,
On behalf of the more than 12,000 canola growers in Alberta, the Board of Directors would like to express our appreciation for the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to strengthen and expand international market access for Canadian agricultural products.
Thank you for your ongoing work to re-engage with China and restore stable trading relations. Your diplomatic efforts and ministerial missions demonstrate a commitment to Canadian farmers and to Canada’s reputation as a reliable global supplier of high-quality agricultural commodities.
While we are encouraged by the steps taken to rebuild this vital market, canola growers experienced a significant financial impact during China’s anti-dumping investigation, which was compounded by uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs. With limited alternative markets available, many farmers were forced to sell their grain at discounted and uncompetitive prices. This resulted from a wide range of pressures, including debt servicing requirements, storage limitations and contractual obligations to sell.
During Alberta Canola’s fall meetings, many growers expressed support for seeking compensation related to federal trade actions, including tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum, which contributed to the disruption of the Chinese market for Canadian canola.
Alberta Canola respectfully requests that the Government of Canada implement a targeted compensation program for canola growers to recognize the extraordinary nature of the disruption.
Alberta’s canola sector is a cornerstone of both the provincial and national economy, contributing billions in economic activity and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Ensuring the financial stability of producers during periods of trade disruption is essential not only for individual farm operations, but for the broader agri-food value chain and Canada’s long-term competitiveness.
We welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with your departments on this matter and look forward to supporting Canadian farmers while strengthening our global market position.
Sincerely,
Andre Harpe, Chair, Region 2 Director, Valhalla Centre, AB
Christine McKee, Vice-Chair, Region 9 Director, Stirling, AB
Chris Kamphuis, Region 1 Director, Worsley, AB
Charles Simoneau, Region 3 Director, Guy, AB
Jeannette Andrashewski, Region 4 Director, Two Hills, AB
Justin Nanninga, Region 5 Director, Neerlandia, AB
Jeff Lenz, Region 6 Director, Stony Plain, AB
Jason Lenz, Region 7 Director, Bentley, AB
Jeff Frost, Region 8 Director, Olds, AB
Cheryl Westman, Region 10 Director, Vermilion, AB
Roger Chevraux, Region 11 Director, Killam, AB
Alan Hampton, Region 12 Director, Rowley, AB
Cc: Honourable Minister R.J. Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Government
of Alberta