Better co-ordination across government agencies, creating more export opportunities for agri-tech and increasing a focus on trade are recommendations found in a parliamentary report focused on international trade and COVID-19. The standing committee on international trade released its interim report in May, outlining four recommendations. Starting last October, MPs from each of Canada’s major political […] Read more
D.C. Fraser
Stories by D.C. Fraser
Farmers deserve better than feds’ choice of COVID-19 testing firm
The company tasked with managing coronavirus tests for travellers entering Canada continues to cause headaches for farmers and the international workers they employ. Switch Health is managing the initial tests being given to travellers within 24 hours of entering Canada, and the second test given several days later. Over one year into the pandemic, it […] Read more
Feds pathway to permanent residency program under fire
Migrant farm workers will be able to apply for permanent residency through a new federal program, but critics say the Liberals plan is flawed. Essential temporary foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian schools will be able to apply for one of the 90,000 new permanent residences. There are 30,000 spots dedicated to temporary workers […] Read more
Farm transfer law gains support, moves to Senate
Farm groups are praising MPs who voted in favour of a law aiming to amend tax laws and make it easier for producers to sell their operations to family members. Bill C-208, introduced by Conservative MP Larry Maguire for the first time in September 2020, is off to the senate for review after receiving approval […] Read more
Canada, Indonesia prepare for trade talks
Canada may soon engage Indonesia in trade talks. The two nations have long flirted with the idea of a trade agreement, and Canada launched consultations of the subject in January. That consultation ended in February — a summary is expected to be published by Global Affairs this spring — but already Canadian trade officials are […] Read more
NDP will need to do more to win favour in rural ridings
After attending enough political conventions, they all start to blur together. Some memories stand out, though. One is being at a Saskatchewan NDP convention in Saskatoon (2016, I think) and seeing a rural member talking about agricultural policy. In the member’s mind, there wasn’t much of any agricultural policy in the Saskatchewan NDP’s playbook and […] Read more
Committee suggests aid for processor sector
A federal agricultural committee report is recommending more investment and less regulation to spur the Canadian processing sector. Between November 2020 and February 2021, the standing committee on agriculture and agri-food studied measures to increase Canada’s processing capacity, hearing from dozens of witnesses. The result is 18 recommendations largely focusing on financial investments and policy […] Read more
Employers to receive help hiring youth
Canada’s 2021 budget increased funding to encourage young people to work in agriculture. Funds valued at $21.4 million are being made available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. Released in April, the federal budget earmarks $109.3 million in […] Read more
NDP introduces soil health bill
A law being introduced by the federal NDP vows to help fight food insecurity and support farmers. NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor introduced a private member’s bill to create a National Soil Health Strategy for Canada. The law would help maintain, enhance and rebuild the capacity of soils, according to the NDP. “Healthy soils are […] Read more
Bibeau highlights budget spending on youth jobs in ag
Canada’s 2021 budget increased funding to encourage young people to work in agriculture. Funds valued at $21.4 million is being made through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. Released in April, the federal budget earmarks $109.3 million in […] Read more
