New Democrat Leader Don Davies today reacted to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent trip to the People’s Republic of China

“With Donald Trump’s continued threats to our country, our economy, and our workers, it is critically important that Canada diversifies its trade relationships and looks for opportunities beyond our direct neighbours to the south,” Davies said. “We are pleased to see the Prime Minister take this task seriously and pursue new partnerships in Asia that will open new markets to Canadian companies and strengthen Canadian sovereignty.

“The Canada-China agreement announced today is a step forward in this regard,” Davies said.

The deal highlights lower tariffs on Canadian canola, and measures that will bolster the Canadian forestry and lumber industries, and seafood producers.

“This is a promising development that will help Canadian farmers, fishery and forestry workers, and consumers. Canada’s export industries will benefit from stronger trade relations with China. It offers an opportunity to reset our relationship with China to increase Canada’s markets and independence,” Davies said.

Davies said the deal contains changes to electric vehicle (EV) rules that will need to be closely monitored.

“In the NDP’s view, expanding Canadians’ access to affordable EV’s is good for consumers and the environment,” Davies said. “However, it’s our view that any country that wants to sell vehicles in Canada should have to manufacture them here. That’s how we ensure Canadian workers and our economy benefit.

“New Democrats will continue to push for an industrial and automotive strategy for Canada that creates Canadian jobs and sees more vehicles built here,” Davies concluded.