The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association appears poised to become a key ally in Ottawa’s campaign to use recent cattle industry losses as a way to pressure provinces into embracing the new farm safety net program contained within the agricultural policy framework.
CCA vice-president Stan Eby told the House of Commons agriculture committee Aug. 11 that Agriculture Canada has produced “scenarios” that indicate if the APF was in effect, cattle producers could apply for compensation and receive help within 30 days of applying.
He said more departmental analysis will be made available this week, but when asked directly by Canadian Alliance MP Howard Hilstrom if he thinks the APF would help meet the cash shortfall facing the industry, including cow-calf operators, Eby replied: “Yes it will.”
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He said the CCA would like some changes made, including better coverage of negative margins in the new disaster program.
Still, in an interview after the meeting, Eby said his committee on domestic policy will recommend at the CCA summer meeting this week in Moose Jaw that the association lobby provincial governments to sign APF implementing agreements.
At least three more provinces representing a significant slice of Canada’s agricultural industry must sign before the controversial new program takes effect to replace existing Net Income Stabilization Account and crop insurance programs.
Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are among significant farming provinces yet to sign, with the support of their farm lobbies that think the APF is inferior to what has existed.
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Eby said that although the CCA has had its doubts, the APF now looks like the best solution for aid and he believes the program should proceed by having reluctant provinces sign.
“It will be a decision for the CCA, but yes, that will be the committee recommendation,” he said Aug. 11.
Opposition MPs who are skeptical about the benefits of the APF told Eby to be careful.
Canadian Alliance agriculture critic Gerry Ritz said the annual $1.1 billion in federal funding for the entire industry does not provide enough money for adequate help.
“Do you believe in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy?” said Manitoba Progressive Conservative Rick Borotsik.
Increasingly, the federal government is using the crisis surrounding the bovine spongiform encephalopathy discovery in Alberta as leverage to encourage the provinces to embrace the APF, which has been on the table for more than a year with few provincial or farm group takers.
On Aug. 8, agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief used a news conference announcing the partial opening of the U.S. border to Canadian beef to promote the cause.
