Campaign aims to re-open Chinese market to Canadian canola

Suits and Boots have launched a new online campaign in an effort to get China to end its canola ban and lift restrictions on peas, soybeans and pork.

The not-for-profit group is made up of Canadian investors, farmers and resource workers.

In a media release, the organization said it would contact Canadian businesses that work with China.

“Every week from now through the fall, when the prairie canola crops are harvested, the group will be reaching out to new groups and individuals, asking for their support (to end the ban),” the release said.

The group launched the hashtag #StandUpToChina on Wednesday to drum up online support.

To promote the campaign, Suits and Boots is drawing on an iconic moment in Chinese history, Tank Man.

It refers to a man that stood in front of tanks following protests in China’s Tiananmen Square in 1989.

“It takes courage to stand up to a tank,” said founder Rick Peterson. “And it takes courage to stand up to China today.”

He believes Canada is having its own Tank Man moment and needs to push back.

According to the release, they’ve already gained 3,700 supporters in the campaign.