Canada Asks China for Proof of Insect Infestation in Canola Dispute

Canada is asking China to provide proof ofinsect contamination in Canadian canolain the hope that "science" can solve the current trade dispute between the two countries, the new federal agriculture minister said Tuesday.

According to a report at theCalgary Herald, Marie-Claude Bibeau — who is making her first official visit to Western Canada this week since being sworn in as agriculture minister earlier this month — said the federal government stands with Prairie farmers affected by China’s suspension last week of canola shipments from Winnipeg-based Richardson International, one of the country’s largest grain exporters.

Though China’s foreign ministry cited pest concerns as the reason, some have suggested the move was retaliation against the Canadian government for arresting Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei.