Canada hogtied at WTO
Canada is shutting itself out of crucial negotiations in Geneva over the rules countries could use to protect sensitive sectors, says Canada’s agriculture negotiator.
Steve Verheul told the House of Commons agriculture committee Feb. 20 he cannot take part in these talks because the Conservative government has instructed him not to discuss moves that would undermine protection of supply management.
Most members of the World Trade Organization agree that over-quota tariffs must be cut and guaranteed volume access into sensitive markets must be expanded in any final WTO text. European Union and American negotiators are now trying to find wording on a sensitive products policy that it can sell to members.
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“We aren’t in a position to engage in the debate over sensitive products,” Verheul said. “We’re a bit limited in what we can do.”
In taking its inflexible stand at the WTO, the Conservative government is following the wishes of Canada’s dairy, poultry and egg supply managed sectors and a 2005 unanimous House of Commons motion that trade negotiators make no concessions on the issue.
Riparian tax credit sweetened
Manitoba farmers and ranchers are again eligible for a tax credit of up to $70 per acre for five years if they avoid tillage, limit grazing and maintain cover on land next to lakeshores, rivers and streams.
The Riparian Tax Credit, which was first implemented in 2003, has been extended to five-year periods from three. Also, new benefits this year cover off-site watering facilities for livestock and a 20 percent bonus for protecting riparian areas that slope 10 percent or more, said water stewardship minister Christine Melnick.
“Manitoba waterways are a precious resource and must be protected,” she said.
Producers can call Manitoba’s Tax Assistance Office by March 31 to meet the deadline for participating in the tax credit this year.
At the end of 2006, more than 100 kilometres of water’s edge at various locations throughout the province were protected under the program.
More information is available by visiting www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/riparian or calling 800-782-0771 or 204-948-2115.
Potash exploration in Manitoba
A multinational mining company plans to invest $15 million to explore the potential of developing a potash deposit in the Russell-Binscarth area of western Manitoba.
The deposit is owned by a 49-51 percent joint venture between the province and Potamine Corp. of Canada, called the Manitoba Potash Corp., which was created in 1986. BHP Billiton, which plans to explore the deposit, recently bought Potamine’s share in MPC.
Potash is a key component in inorganic fertilizer.
“Manitoba’s untapped potash deposits have the potential to generate hundreds of jobs and attract millions of dollars in direct investment,” said science, technology, energy and mines minister Jim Rondeau.
A 1987 consultant’s study found a potash mine in the Russell-Binscarth area would probably generate more than 360 direct jobs in mining, processing and administration.
