Premier Moe says new trade deal with India would benefit Saskatchewan despite tariffs

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe States Canada-India Trade Agreement Would Deliver Net Gains for Provincial Agriculture Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said on October 10, 2024, that a comprehensive free trade agreement between Canada and India would produce overall economic benefits for the province, especially if it lowers tariffs on pulse crops. Moe delivered the remarks in a virtual address to the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers annual meeting held in Saskatoon. The province exported approximately $1.2 billion worth of lentils, peas and chickpeas to India in 2022, a volume that declined after India raised duties on several pulse categories to 100 per cent in 2023. Saskatchewan accounts for more than 40 per cent of Canadian pulse production.

Premier Outlines Priorities During Virtual Address

Moe told meeting attendees that renewed Canada-India negotiations represent a practical opportunity to restore predictable market access for Saskatchewan farmers. He added that a deal lowering or removing the tariffs would directly support farm incomes and rural communities across the province. Moe did not provide timelines or specific tariff-reduction targets. He stated only that provincial officials would continue to press federal negotiators to keep agricultural priorities at the forefront of any discussions. The comments occur as Canada and India resume exploratory talks on a bilateral agreement following a multi-year pause. Moe framed the development as an opening to reverse the market losses that followed the 2023 tariff increases.

Federal Trade Minister Signals Conditions for Resumed Talks

Federal International Trade Minister Mary Ng confirmed in a September 2024 statement that Canada remains open to resuming formal talks with India. Ng emphasized that any agreement must address market access for Canadian agricultural products. Ng’s office declined to provide further details on the current status of the discussions. Moe’s remarks align with the federal position that agricultural access remains a central requirement. Provincial and federal statements both treat tariff relief on pulses as a key objective without committing to particular outcomes or schedules.

Record of Prior Negotiations and Current Context

Canada and India have held multiple rounds of free trade talks since 2010. The most recent formal round occurred in 2022. Those earlier efforts stalled amid disagreements over tariffs and other issues. The current resumption of exploratory discussions follows that extended interruption and returns attention to long-standing Canadian objectives in the Indian market. Saskatchewan’s stake in these talks stems directly from its dominant share of national pulse output and the documented export value recorded in 2022. Any reduction in the 100 per cent duties imposed in 2023 would affect the largest single segment of the province’s pulse trade with India.

Next Steps in the Negotiation Process

Officials at both levels of government have indicated that agricultural market access will remain a focus as exploratory talks proceed. No dates have been set for formal rounds or for the tabling of specific tariff proposals. Saskatchewan will continue to communicate its priorities to federal negotiators while the broader Canada-India discussions advance.

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer