A Conservative government would modernize the Canada Grain Act and Canadian Grain Commission, according to a list of promises in the party platform released Oct. 11. Leader Andrew Scheer announced the platform in Tsawassen, B.C., and while he didn’t address agriculture and rural issues directly he did say the carbon levy would be eliminated. He […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Alta. Green candidate tackles Tory juggernaut
BELLEVUE, Alta. — It’s not easy being a Green Party candidate in Alberta. Bridget Lacey can tell you that firsthand. The farmer and mother of two young boys from Turner Valley is campaigning in Foothills, where she’s up against Conservative incumbent John Barlow. Conservative blue is projected to sweep the province, wiping out four Liberal […] Read more
Goodale brand expected to prevail in Sask.
Federal election: He is the only Liberal MP in the province, a scenario that isn’t expected to change in this election
Ralph Goodale is used to being the sole Liberal voice from Saskatchewan in Ottawa. And he’s expected to be the only one again after the Oct. 21 vote. Polls indicate that while most of the province will vote Conservative, including in Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s Regina-Qu’Appelle riding, Regina-Wascana voters are likely to stick with Goodale. […] Read more
Manitoba MP at home in farming country
Federal election: Conservative candidate is a former cattle producer who has represented constituency since 2004
ASHERN, Man. — James Bezan is as comfortable at the Ashern Auction Mart as he is in the House of Commons. The incumbent Conservative MP, running in his sixth campaign, is in friendly territory among the cattle producers watching the Wednesday cattle sale. He is one of them, after all. The former cattle producer, manager […] Read more
Liberals plan to change Farm Credit Canada
Party’s election platform includes commitment to turn FCC into a single service point for all parts of the food economy
The Liberal plan to expand and rename Farm Credit Canada poses more questions than answers. The party platform’s Investing in Rural Success section includes a promise to streamline services and increase investments to help make Canada the second-largest exporter of agricultural products by 2025. “We will merge exiting financial and advisory services currently scattered between […] Read moreCCA unveils wish list for new federal gov’t
Canada’s cattle producers have a wish list for a new federal government. It focuses on economic, environmental and social benefits for the country. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association produced a document for candidates detailing six main recommendations that would help the beef industry grow and continue to be a key economic contributor. The CCA says the […] Read more
Farm labour issue fires up ag debate
The agricultural labour shortage drew the most heated conversation during last week’s election debate, sparked when the Green Party candidate referred to the temporary foreign worker program as slavery. Representatives from the three other parties, including the Liberal agriculture minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Conservative critic Luc Berthold and NDP critic Alistair MacGregor, took umbrage with Kate […] Read more
Sask. producer charged after cattle seizure
One person faces several charges after more than 300 cattle were seized from his farm last winter. Warren Russell of the Stoughton, Sask., area has been charged under Section 4 of the province’s Animal Protection Act. That section prohibits anyone from causing an animal to be in distress or to continue to be in distress. […] Read more
New Sask. co-op designed to help finance cattle, bison
Saskatchewan livestock producers have a new co-operative to finance purchases of feeder and breeder cattle and bison. Saskatchewan Livestock Finance Co-operative Ltd. replaced the provincial government’s Livestock Loan Guarantee Program earlier this year. The government announced last year it would wind down the lending program that began in 1984. General manager Terry Wensley said co-op […] Read more
Liberals hint at AgriStability support
The federal Liberals are hinting that more money could be available for farm business risk management programs. The party’s platform says it would expand support for farmers who face major environmental and business risks, if re-elected Oct. 21. The document refers to the review of BRM programs, with a focus on AgriStability. “(We) are prepared […] Read more
