Trudeau says Canadian farmers hit by trade disputes should be helped faster

Canada’s Agriculture Ministry should move more quickly to help farmers harmed by protectionist measures imposed by other nations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Canadian farmers are caught up in a trade and diplomatic dispute between Ottawa and Beijing.

In a formal letter of instruction to Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, Trudeau said she should draw on lessons from recent trade disputes involving exports of canola, beef and pork and work out better ways to respond.

“This should include the ability to provide faster short-term support for industry when required,” he said.

The Trudeau government is under increased pressure from farm groups who say they need immediate support for producers impacted by trade disputes.