Axed tariff won’t cut mustard

Ihave been asked by a number of citizens to comment on the re-emergence of an 18-year-old editorial from a Creston, B.C., newspaper that was written by a reporter who at the time stated she was groped by Justin Trudeau.

Many news organizations both inside and outside of Canada have now reported on this alleged incident and many have taken issue with the response from Mr. Trudeau.

The common criticism against our prime minister is that he has used a double standard by not holding himself to the same zerotolerance principle that he has held to other members of the Liberal caucus while facing similar circumstances.

From my perspective, I have had a longstanding policy to not comment on the conduct of other members of Parliament past or present.

At this time I see no need to change my position on matters like these and will not comment further.

Instead this week I am going to focus on something the Liberal government has done that I agree with and support.

In my June 26 MP report I referenced that on July 1, Canada’s retaliatory counter tariffs against a variety of U.S. goods would be implemented that will make them more expensive for Canadians to buy.

The list of American items that would be subject to a 10 per cent tariff on July 1, 2018, was extensive and included common grocery store items such as yogurt, coffee, pizza, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soups, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, and some appliances.

This week the Liberals announced that mustard made in the United Stated would be removed from the tariff list. Why do I support this decision?

In short because Canada is the largest producer of mustard seed in the world. As an example French’s mustard, despite being made in the United States, is made from almost exclusively Canadian-grown mustard seed.

Even French-manufactured Maille mustard contains a significant percentage of Canadian grown mustard seed.

This example of mustard seed is effective in establishing the degree that the United States and Canadian economies have come to work together as a result of free trade. By eliminating this tariff the Canadian mustard seed industry will remain competitive.

My question this week does not relate to mustard but rather to Greyhound.

As many citizens will now know this week Greyhound announced intentions to withdraw service from western Canada. Greyhound has cited many factors for this decision but primarily it is an overall decline in ridership.

At this point it is unclear what role Government at all levels may do in response to this decision.

My question is: Will you be affected by the loss of Greyhound service in British Columbia?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central O kan a gan-Sim ilka me en Nicola.