This country's diplomatic set-to with China has dogged Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the feud is showing no signs of going away before his October bid for re-election.
Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on warned this week that relations with Beijing continue to be "challenging," throwing cold water on hopes that last week’s meeting with her Chinese counterpart would lead to a breakthrough in the eight-month stalemate.
The dispute broke out in December after Canada’s detention of Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant, and Beijing’s subsequent arrest of two Canadians. China has also blocked imports of some Canadian commodities.
Meanwhile, China’s blockade against canola, pork and beef is beginning to bite economically. Growers will have to find alternate buyers this year, and meat processors are starting to feel the pinch.
Freeland said Ottawa will continue to negotiate with China outside of the public eye, a process that exposes the government to criticism from Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer.
Trudeau is locked in a statistical tie in opinion polls with Scheer ahead of the Oct. 21 federal vote, and Scheer has attacked him relentlessly for being soft on China.
