Saskatchewan requests Ottawa to increase cash advances for canola farmers
REGINA — Saskatchewan is asking Ottawa to increase its cash advances to canola farmers because of China’s decision to block imports of the oilseed from Canada.
The province says it is looking to the federal government for help because China’s ban has caused trade uncertainty in the canola industry.
Saskatchewan is requesting the amount of money available to canola farmers through a federal advance payment program be increased to $1 million from $400,000.
The province also wants the program’s end-of-March deadline to be extended by one month and that no interest be charged on the maximum payment amount until the issue with China is resolved.