As the federal government looks to manage impacts of ongoing drought conditions, livestock producers in regions of five provinces are now eligible for a tax deferral program. Minister of Agriculture Marie Claude Bibeau announced today that producers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario would be eligible for support. “At times like this we […] Read more
D.C. Fraser
Stories by D.C. Fraser
Ottawa set to move on AgriRecovery
Following an appeal from western provinces, the federal government says it is prepared to help producers impacted by ongoing drought conditions through the AgriRecovery program. Officials are organizing meetings to discuss specifics, but the program is designed to offer disaster-specific relief “in situations where producers do not have the capacity to cover the extraordinary costs, […] Read more
Retailer code of conduct on horizon
A report from the federal-provincial working group says the retail sector has levied an increasing number of fees on suppliers. It is proposing the formation of a code of conduct as a potential solution. Canada’s agriculture ministers are now calling on industry to lead the process. They had formed the working group to study the […] Read more
Stop selling false hope of credit for historical carbon efforts
Farmers holding out hope that historical efforts to sequester carbon will earn them credit on a carbon trading market should accept a hard truth. It isn’t happening. They should have accepted disappointment long ago, but are continuously sold false hopes. Saskatchewan is developing its own protocols for a carbon market. The feds are doing the […] Read more
Policy proposals released ahead of UN food summit
Ahead of the upcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit, a lengthy list of so-called “game changing” proposals have been released by organizers, including plans for integrating climate plans and developing a “responsible meat” initiative. Taking place in September, many expect the summit to launch new strategies for achieving the international communities 17 development goals. That […] Read more
All signs point to prime minister calling September election
There’s a sense of excitement, and dread, in Ottawa as an election sits on the horizon. We don’t know when an election is coming, but politicians and staffers are preparing to hit the campaign trail. Here is what is clear. First, Parliament is scheduled to resume sitting Sept. 20. The minority Liberals survived the most […] Read more
Dairy pushes for action on grocery store fees
Industry wants provinces to develop codes based on federal guidelines restricting fees companies impose on suppliers
Canada’s dairy industry is asking for provinces to oversee a code of practice for grocery retailers. In a letter to federal ministers, leaders from dairy groups say the “best solution” to “arbitrary fees and deductions” would be through “the development of provincial codes that are legislated, mandatory and enforceable.” The country’s top grocery retailers drew […] Read more
Grain dryer bill stalls in Senate
A widely supported private member’s bill that would exempt grain drying costs from federal carbon pricing might not be passed, despite gaining enough support from MPs. The bill has moved to the Senate, but it adjourned June 29 and isn’t scheduled to return until Sept. 21. If an election is called in the interim, as […] Read more
Truth and reconciliation efforts cannot be allowed to stop
It is a privilege to write in this space, and this week I thought it was appropriate to amplify a strong First Nations voice while providing a bit of historical context. Days before having to address the nation as well as journalists from across the globe, Cadmus Delorme was touting the farming on Cowessess First […] Read more
Farm succession bill passes but not supply management
Legislation aimed at those who trespass in livestock operations did not make it to third reading; Wayne Easter to retire
With the possibility of an autumn election looming, MPs rose from the House of Commons June 23, marking the end to a parliamentary session featuring a handful of laws that affect agriculture. Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire saw his private member’s bill, aimed at lowering taxes on family farm businesses, pass in Parliament and sent to […] Read more
