Mr. Speaker, Canadian farmers are the backbone of our economy, in particular our canola producers. I would add that producers in the great riding of Battle River—Crowfoot are particularly renowned. Unfortunately, this $5-billion industry is under attack by unfair Chinese tariffs imposed by the regime in Beijing. This goes along with tariffs on seafood harvesters and other Canadian agriculture and agri-food producers.
The Prime Minister promised that he would be a master negotiator, that he would open new markets and that he would negotiate wins. Of course, that was a bait and switch. His broken promises and failed diplomacy are costing our farmers a fortune, in addition to which we see that his failures with regard to the United States have resulted in a doubling of U.S. tariffs since he was elected on the promise that he would get a deal by July 21.
Going back to the issue of farming, this $5-billion-a-year industry is critical to our overall economy and to the prairie economy in particular. We know that this sector is under immense pressure, as Beijing has hammered our producers, therefore artificially lowering the price they can get for their sales. We have had much debate, and rightly so, about the tariffs the Prime Minister has allowed to be imposed on our metal-making sectors, our automakers and others, but not enough debate on canola producers. There are family farmers watching right now and relying on you, Mr. Speaker, to do the right thing and allow for an emergency debate.
This is also an important matter of national unity. Western producers need to see that their sector is given fair attention and floor time in the House of Commons. They do not begrudge steelworkers, aluminum workers, auto workers and others for having a lot of debate in the House of Commons, but they expect that they too will have their voices heard.
Given the enormity of this sector and the unfairness of the tariffs the Chinese government has imposed, we are asking for you, Mr. Speaker, to do the right thing and allow for an emergency debate. I note that this is particularly timely because the Prime Minister is meeting with President Xi later this week.
There is a great expectation that all tariffs on canola and on our fish harvesters will be eliminated. After all, the Prime Minister promised that he would be a master negotiator and that he knew how to handle these conversations. We know that he will be coming back with an end to the tariffs, but to make sure that is the case, let us have an emergency debate of which the Prime Minister and President Xi can take note before their meeting and before their announcement of the cessation of tariffs.
This is timely. It cannot wait. If it is delayed, this House will miss the window in which to have the conversation prior to the two heads of government meeting. We ask that the Speaker honour our farmers and allow for this House to take urgent action to defend their interests.