Saskatchewan Accuses Trudeau of Damaging India Relations and Trade Talks

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s government has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of jeopardizing Canada’s relations with India and failing to keep the provinces informed about ongoing trade talks. 

In a letter released by Saskatchewan Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison, Trudeau was criticized for allegedly prioritizing domestic political interests over the national economic interest, particularly with respect to western Canadian exports to India.

The controversy arose when Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma revealed that Ottawa had requested a pause in ongoing talks for an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) within the last month. 

This news shocked business leaders, as well as former premier Brad Wall, as provinces like Saskatchewan had received no updates on the negotiations since late July. Harrison’s letter, dated September 8, expressed the province’s frustration at hearing about the pause through the media and receiving no explanation from the Government of Canada.

Harrison contended that provinces and territories should be involved in the negotiations, as has been the practice in past trade deals. He also claimed that Trade Minister Mary Ng had not responded to a late July letter requesting an update on the negotiations.

Saskatchewan plays a significant role in Canada’s exports to India, contributing about a third of total exports from Canada, over $1 billion per year, primarily in commodities like lentils. 

Trade Minister Mary Ng is set to lead a trade mission to India in the coming month with Canadian businesses. The reasons for the pause in trade talks remain unclear, and Ng’s office stated that she would provide a statement in response to Harrison’s letter.

Prime Minister Trudeau briefly met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where Modi expressed concerns about “anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada,” specifically referring to Sikh separatists advocating for a state called Khalistan. 

Trudeau emphasized that Canadians, regardless of origin, have the right to free speech, but expressed concerns about foreign interference.

Tensions between Canada and India have been escalating over various incidents, including provocative posters targeting Indian diplomats in Canada. Human Rights Watch has accused the Modi government of regressing on human rights and constitutional protections.


Information for this story was found via Global News, X, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

ESGold Outlines $24.3 Million NPV For Tailings Reprocessing Project

First Majestic Encounters 711 g/t Silver Equivalent Over 8.0 Metres In Ongoing Exploration At Los Gatos

Related News

CSIS Is Investigating A Conservative Nomination Vote

Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), is probing into the Conservative Party...

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 04:04:00 PM

Canada Urges Caution in Jammu and Kashmir as India Disputes Murder Accusations

The Canadian government on Tuesday updated its travel advisory to India, urging its citizens to...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 10:18:18 AM

Saskatchewan Moves to Support Nuclear with Carbon Tax Changes

In a strategic move to bolster its clean electricity transition efforts, the Saskatchewan government has...

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 09:47:26 AM

Diplomatic Row Intensifies Between Canada and India Amid Foreign Interference Allegations

Tensions between Canada and India have escalated dramatically following accusations of foreign interference, murder, and...

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 11:04:00 AM

Saskatchewan Premier Vs. Trudeau Gov’t: Net Zero By 2035 Unachievable, Coal Still Present By 2030

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has indicated that the province may oppose an upcoming federal emission...

Thursday, May 4, 2023, 06:22:00 AM