In the summer of 2012, the Federation of Québec Maple Syrup Producers suffered a theft of 6 million pounds of syrup, or 60 percent, from its Strategic Reserve. The investigative trail soon led to free-market renegades inside and outside the province who opposed what was, in their view, a Communist program.

Pictured, Philippe Turcotte, a supporter of the Federation, at his sugar farm in Drummondville, Québec.