Food guide not opposed to meat consumption: dietitian

MOOSE JAW, Sask. — The message to eat more plants is nothing new, says dietitian Carol Harrison, and it doesn’t mean eating less meat. Harrison said many have interpreted the new Canada’s Food Guide recommendations to eat more plant-based protein as a directive to eat less red meat. However, she said the guide does not […] Read more

Self-defence requires knowing how far to go, says lawyer

People can defend themselves and their property from thieves, but have to know how far they can take that, a lawyer said during a presentation at Canada’s Farm Progress Show earlier this summer. Talon Regent, a defence lawyer in Moose Jaw, Sask., who previously worked as a federal drug crimes prosecutor, said people at risk […] Read more

Agriculture ministers gathered in Quebec City for their annual meeting. In the back row, from left, are Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia, federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau; David Marit, Saskatchewan; Ernie Hardeman, Ontario; Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island; Andre Lamontagne, Quebec; and Devin Dreeshen, Alberta. Seated, from left, are Lana Popham, British Columbia; Gerry Byrne, Newfoundland and Labrador; and Ross Wetmore, New Brunswick.  |  Agriculture Canada photo

Saskatchewan and Ontario work together on agricultural priorities

QUEBEC CITY — Agriculture ministers from Saskatchewan and Ontario say their two provinces will collaborate on priorities that support the sector’s growth in both provinces. Saskatchewan’s David Marit and Ontario’s Ernie Hardeman held an inaugural meeting under a memorandum of understanding for free trade signed by their premiers last fall. They met before the federal-provincial-territorial […] Read more


Agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said improving business risk management systems is a higher priority than trade-dispute resolutions.  |  Michael Raine photo

Feds tight-lipped on trade dispute help

QUEBEC CITY — A call last week from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture for immediate federal help for farmers affected by trade disputes has not been answered. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said resolving disputes, especially those with China over canola, pork and beef, remains a top priority. However, she said improving existing business risk […] Read more

At right, Quebec premier Francois Legault shakes hands with Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe at the conclusion of the Council of the Federation premiers' meeting in Saskatoon as Ontario's Doug Ford and Manitoba's Jim Pallister look on. | KAREN BRIERE PHOTO

Premiers look to reduce internal trade barriers

SASKATOON — Alberta was the first to move, eliminating half of its exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, after premiers recently committed to improve internal trade. Procurement by several Alberta agencies, including the purchase of local food under the Supporting Alberta’s Local Food Sector Act, is no longer restricted. “Since when are Alberta companies […] Read more


A government land swap that includes pastures in southern Saskatchewan is taking longer than initially thought.  |  Mike Raine photo

Pasture swap operates under temporary arrangement

A land swap between Ottawa and Saskatchewan is taking longer than expected but an interim agreement is allowing ranchers who used three former federal pastures to continue grazing cattle. The Govenlock, Nashlyn and Battle Creek pastures in southwestern Saskatchewan are part of the swap necessitated by the transfer of all former Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration […] Read more

Agriculture ministers gathered in Quebec City for their annual meeting. In the back row, from left, are Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia, federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau; David Marit, Saskatchewan; Ernie Hardeman, Ontario; Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island; Andre Lamontagne, Quebec; and Devin Dreeshen, Alberta. Seated, from left, are Lana Popham, British Columbia; Gerry Byrne, Newfoundland and Labrador; and Ross Wetmore, New Brunswick.  |  Agriculture Canada photo

Ag ministers commit to AgriStability changes

QUEBEC CITY — Canadian agriculture ministers are promising changes to AgriStability in time for the 2020 program year. Just how extensive those changes will be is unknown. Coming out of their annual meeting in Quebec City last week, ministers said they need more data before committing to improve the program that is supposed to help […] Read more

Increased food complexity requires a little clarity

Increased food complexity requires a little clarity

The deep-fried Twizzlers at this year’s Calgary Stampede were all that one could expect. That’s more than can be said for many foods entering the gastronomic realm. They are simultaneously more — and less — than many would expect. Case in point, the “Marrot.” A creation of fast-food chain Arby’s, it looks and tastes like […] Read more


Agriculture ministers gathered in Quebec City for their annual meeting. In the back row, from left, are Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia, federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau; David Marit, Saskatchewan; Ernie Hardeman, Ontario; Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island; Andre Lamontagne, Quebec; and Devin Dreeshen, Alberta. Seated, from left, are Lana Popham, British Columbia; Gerry Byrne, Newfoundland and Labrador; and Ross Wetmore, New Brunswick.  |  Agriculture Canada photo

Ag ministers promise no immediate help

QUEBEC CITY — Canadian farmers won’t be getting immediate help to deal with trade disruptions, nor will they see any changes to business risk management programs this year. The federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers concluded their meeting in Quebec City today with an agreement to meet again to discuss potential changes to AgriStability. Officials […] Read more

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe chaired the annual meeting of Canada’s first ministers in Saskatoon. Here, flanked by Ontario’s Doug Ford and Quebec’s Francois Legault, he speaks to reporters at the conclusion of the meeting.  |  Karen Briere photo

Premiers form united trade front

SASKATOON — Canada’s premiers want Ottawa to act on market access issues for agricultural products and say affected sectors should get support. Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe struck an even tone as the host of the 13 leaders’ annual meeting, saying the restrictions imposed most notably by China but also by several other countries are “concerning.” Standing […] Read more