OTTAWA (Staff) – Federal budget-cutters should lay off agriculture for awhile, farm leaders told members of the Commons finance committee last week.
During a pre-budget consultation on Parliament Hill Nov. 22, Canadian Federation of Agriculture executive member Lloyd Sandercock, supported by other CFA members, said agriculture still is trying to absorb last winter’s budget cuts.
“We are concerned with the shift away from public responsibility in a number of areas,” he said.
Last February’s budget took away transportation subsidies, cut safety net funding and research dollars while contemplating greater user fees. The full impact will not be felt for several years.
“We believe that before further changes, government must reflect on what the balance should be for the financial, social and environmental health of the country.”
Along with representatives of the Quebec farm union, Prairie Pools and Dairy Farmers of Canada, Sandercock told MPs that the government should not:
- Touch remaining dairy subsidies.
- Cut safety net funding further.
- Continue cuts to research.
- Undermine the farmer capital gains exemption.
- Increase cost recovery or taxes in any way that erodes farm income.
