OTTAWA (Staff) – Some rural Liberal MPs who have been at odds with their own government on a variety of issues were at it again last week when the issue of gay rights came to the floor of the House of Commons.
The government proposed changes to the Human Rights Act to add sexual orientation to the list of attributes that cannot be grounds for discrimination.
Prime minister Jean ChrŽtien decided it would be a free vote to allow MPs to vote with their conscience rather than the party line.
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Twenty-three Liberals decided to vote with Reform in opposition.
The proposal was approved 178 – 53.
Farming costs hold
The costs of farming rose little during the first three months of the year, particularly in Western Canada, according to Statistics Canada.
In the first quarter, average input prices rose just 0.7 percent in Western Canada, compared to 3.8 percent in the East.
The national increase in input costs was two percent compared to the same period last year.
The federal agency said lower feeder cattle prices, rent and interest costs were the main factors in holding the cost of farming in check.
Money to spend
With grain prices high and wheat acreage expanding, prairie farmers have been on a combine spending spree.
During the first three months of the year, 300 self-propelled combines were purchased in Canada, according to statistics compiled by the Canadian Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute in Burlington, Ont.
It marks a 20.5 percent increase over sales during the same period last year.
Tractor sales did not fare so well, dipping 3.3 percent to fewer than 2,600 sold in the three months.
Port labor relations
Alberta Reform MP Dale Johnston urged the adoption of a “final offer arbitration” system for settling labor disputes, rather than wait for another strike or lockout which could close west coast ports.
It was recommended in a report several months ago but the government has yet to act.
“Workers, farmers, producers, shippers and manufacturers are worried,” Johnston told the Commons May 2. “Work stoppages cost millions of dollars. Markets are lost and reputations are damaged. The clock is ticking.”
