Canadian farmers need better mental health supports, says a report from the federal standing committee on agriculture. The report tabled in the House of Commons May 28 contains 10 recommendations made after the committee undertook its study of rural mental health. The all-party committee members acknowledged that existing support isn’t enough. “Access to mental health […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Canola campaign targets China
A grassroots organization called Suits and Boots is urging Canadians to express their displeasure with China’s ban on canola exports by contacting Chinese officials in Canada. Its campaign urging people to email officials, #StandUpToChina, includes a provocative picture of a farm family in a canola field facing oncoming tanks. Rick Peterson, an Edmonton businessperson who […] Read more
Farmers urged to stay in touch with creditors
Lenders say farmers worried about their finances due to market disruptions should contact them for help as soon as possible before their situation becomes too dire. BMO announced a specific financial relief program for western Canadian grain farmers, while other lenders say they have ongoing programs available. BMO regional president for the Prairies John MacAulay […] Read more
Settlement in sight for Sask. water dispute
Peter Onofreychuk has complained since 2011 that upstream agricultural drainage has flooded his farmland
MACNUTT, Sask. — A settlement in a long-running drainage dispute in east-central Saskatchewan is in the works. After meeting with a mediator May 8, lawyers for Peter Onofreychuk and the Smith Creek Regional Watershed Association are drafting an agreement that will see water flow more evenly through Onofreychuk’s land under a conservation and development project. […] Read more
Sask. farmers defend well-planned agricultural drainage
LANGENBURG, Sask. — Advocates of organized agricultural drainage say well-planned projects are key to keeping communities and people safe and land arable. They say the practice of draining water off cultivated land is often misunderstood, and they bristle at criticism that they are not environmentally friendly. “We are perplexed by environmental claims that we’re damaging […] Read more
Bibeau meets Chinese minister
Canada’s agriculture minister met with her Chinese counterpart in a side meeting at the recent G20 gathering but there appears to be no break in the canola impasse. Marie-Claude Bibeau told reporters during a May 13 conference call that she expressed to minister Han Changfu her deep concern about the suspension of Canadian canola exports […] Read more
Sask. passes tougher trespass law
Saskatchewan has passed its new trespass legislation, placing the onus on hunters and others who want to go on private land to obtain permission. The regulations for the bill are still in development, and so is an app that the province hopes will connect landowners and potential users so that consent can be gained. The […] Read more
Antique business wins tourism award
Erin Kinder puts her Saskatchewan town on the map with a booming enterprise that she runs from the family farm
DAVIDSON, Sask. — Five years of hard work and determination were validated when Erin Kinder hoisted her Tourism Saskatchewan award for marketing this spring. She has built her antiques business from the ground up and, along the way, helped make her hometown more than just a place to pee. Davidson is considered the halfway point […] Read more
Bibeau meets with Chinese counterpart on trade
Canada’s agriculture minister met with her Chinese counterpart in a side meeting at the recent G20 gathering but there appears to be no break in the canola impasse. Marie-Claude Bibeau told reporters during a May 13 conference call that she expressed to minister Han Changfu her deep concern about the suspension of Canadian canola exports […] Read more
Court rules carbon tax constitutional
Saskatchewan will appeal the court decision that found Ottawa has the authority to impose a carbon tax. Premier Scott Moe said the 3-2 split among the opinions of the five justices makes for a strong argument. “We will be closely reviewing today’s ruling and it will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada,” he […] Read more
