As China continues to block Canadian canola shipments, the Federal Government has announced support for exporters.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is making an additional $150 million of insurance available for canola exporters.

They say this will help exporters manage the risk that comes with exploring new markets.

“As Canada’s export credit agency, we have listened to canola exporters navigating this challenging environment," said Carl Burlock, Export Development Canada Executive Vice-President and Chief Business Officer. "We understand that insurance coverage is critical for them to expand into new markets by protecting their sales and enabling them to access more working capital from their banks."

Burlock says they've identified Pakistan and Bangladesh as new markets for Canadian canola, and they will continue to work with the Government's Canola Working Group to identify new export opportunities.

Canada exported $11 billion worth of canola to over 50 countries last year.

Burlock made the announcement Tuesday, June 13 at Parliament Hill alongside International Trade Diversification Minister, Jim Carr, and Agriculture Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau.