The convoy of tractors, combines and trucks rolled into Lethbridge Dec. 3 clad with “Kill Bill 6” placards. The southern Alberta farmers gathered at a local hotel for a meeting about the bill, also known as the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, which the government announced last month and said it intends […] Read more
News
Lack of consultation on farm workers bill angers ag sector
COOL ruling renews calls to repeal law
The World Trade Organization has granted Canada and Mexico the right to impose more than $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the United States following a seven year dispute over country-of-origin labelling. In a Dec. 7 news release, the WTO arbitration panel set the annual level of retaliation at $780 million for Canada and $228 […] Read more
Churchill owner wants to sell port
The Port of Churchill, which includes Canada’s most northerly grain export terminal, is for sale. Merv Tweed, president of OmniTrax Canada, confirmed that the company is looking for a buyer for the port as well as Hudson Bay Rail (HBR), the company that owns and operates the railway line between Churchill and the Pas, Man. […] Read more
Sask. producers association elects officials
Norm Hall from Wynard has been re-elected president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan. Todd Lewis from the Rural Municipality of Lajord and Donovan Block from the RM of Leroy were elected vice-presidents. The elections took place at the APAS annual meeting in Regina Dec. 1-3. Also elected to the board of directors were: […] Read more
CFA ponders AgriStability changes to improve coverage
In 2007, 75 percent of revenue was protected, compared to 64 percent in 2012, which caused a decline in participation
Declining participation in Agri-Stability indicates a need to revamp business risk management programs for the next Growing Forward agreement, says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. Scott Ross, director of BRM policy at the CFA, told the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan annual meeting that members have identified a number of concerns about the existing programs. […] Read moreLivestock producers use antibiotics responsibly: vet
Leigh Rosengren said producers would be derelict if they didn’t use medication to treat their animals when they’re sick
Most consumers should understand that livestock producers must use antibiotics to treat sick animals, said Dr. Leigh Rosengren. The veterinarian and owner of Rosengren Epidemiology Consulting told producers at Canadian Western Agribition that they also need to understand that antimicrobial resistance is a health threat. “We’re hearing a lot of negative media right now, particularly […] Read more
Dairy farmers undaunted amid threats to supply management
Economists often see a dire future for Canadian dairy farming, but asking producers about it will reveal a lot of sunshine punching through the clouds of gloom. “I’m very positive,” said dairy farmer Matt Plett from Blumenort, Man. “I have more confidence for the future for our kids than I did five years ago, when […] Read more
Alberta NDP gov’t passes Bill 6
Alberta’s controversial farm safety legislation debate ended as the government majority passed Bill 6. The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act passed third reading today 44-29. A Wildrose proposal to hoist the bill and send it to committee to be studied for six months was voted down. All WP Bill 6 coverage here. […] Read more
What other provinces are doing about farm worker safety
Alberta’s Bill 6 plans to eliminate the farm exemptions on the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers Compensation, Labour Relations and Employment Standards. Legislation in the other western provinces varies when it comes to coverage and exemptions for farmers and farm workers. Below is a snapshot of how regulations apply to farms and ranches in […] Read more
Alta. gov’t to amend farm safety bill
Amendments tabled in the Alberta legislature Dec. 7 are designed to clarify parts of Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, and quell at least some of the farmer outrage that has gained momentum since the bill’s introduction in November. Farm and ranch owners, family members and neighbours or volunteers who […] Read more
