Mr. Speaker, the number one industry in Prince Edward Island has fallen victim to unfair trade restrictions from the United States.
The potato industry almost ground to a complete halt last fall when the discovery of potato wart prompted the U.S. to close its borders. Even though science is on our side, the U.S. still bullheadedly continues with ridiculous and unjustified restrictions which could essentially result in the destruction of an entire industry of a Canadian province.
Free trade agreements are useless when only one partner abides by the rules. Our province is part of Confederation and should benefit from nationwide support. The U.S. has demonstrated a patent disrespect for P.E.I, for Canada and for an entire system set up to protect the industries of our two countries.
I call upon our government and our nation to unite and send a clear message to the United States. If it can shut the border without just cause then Canada can too. Next week let us target Idaho, then California, then Florida.