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
Stories by Glacier FarmMedia
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
Indigenous ag projects get funding
Sixteen projects to help support Indigenous-led food system initiatives will receive $4 million from the federal government. “Our government is working to create a more inclusive agriculture sector that respects the values of Indigenous peoples,” said Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau in a statement. “These investments are intended to ensure that Indigenous peoples have equal opportunities […] Read more
Carbon tax hike impact on ag ‘small’
An increased carbon levy and other measures aimed at achieving Canada’s emissions targets won’t affect agriculture relative to other industries, according to a new report. The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released the document June 23 assessing impacts of the government’s plan to exceed 2030 Paris reduction targets for Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Our assessment shows […] Read more
Ottawa’s focus on social issues threatens to slow trade deals
Canadian producers eagerly awaiting a trade pact with major Asian markets will have to exercise patience, and should be prepared for nauseating moral posturing by politicians. Bilateral talks with Indonesia are expected to formally open this year, setting the stage for broader negotiations involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a bloc of 10 […] Read more
Indonesia warns of ‘challenging’ trade talks with Canada
Canada is preparing to formally launch trade negotiations later this year with Indonesia, but already plans to include gender, environmental and labour provisions in a deal are being described as a challenge. The two nations have long flirted with the idea of a trade agreement, with Canada launching stakeholder consultations on the subject in January. […] Read more
Exporters keen on trade talks with Indonesia
Canada’s consultations on a potential free trade deal with Indonesia demonstrate a strong appetite for negotiations to continue. The two nations are expected to launch formal talks this year. Already 78 percent of respondents to a government consultation, launched in January, support a free trade agreement. Respondents, about one-third of which came from the agriculture […] Read more
