OTTAWA (Staff) – There are a number of pending federal policy reforms in which the new Quebec government could cause problems if it chooses.
Key among them are:
- Supply management reform. Close federal-provincial co-operation will be required if the rules of supply management are to be changed by next year to comply with introduction of new world trade law.
The Parti QuŽbecois, which in opposition condemned Ottawa for agreeing to a deal that undermines existing protectionist supply management import rules, now could play to its farm lobby by refusing to co-operate in signing new national agreements.
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However, Quebec farmers who have been involved in supply management negotiations may tell the province to get on board.
- Western grain transportation act reforms. The federal government already faces western anger over a proposal that some of the Crow Benefit subsidy be shipped to eastern farmers in a safety net.
The PQ, supported by provincial farmers, will demand that the proposal remain as it is. Any attempt to change the Crow Benefit method of payment without sending some of the money east will lead to a Quebec attempt to sabotage the reform.
- Farm income safety nets. The PQ is likely to side with the provincial farm union in insisting the province be given special rules on how safety net payouts are triggered.
The Quebec farmers’ union is unhappy about the proposal that the safety nets be in the form of personal NISA-like accounts triggered by individual farmer conditions.
The UPA prefers a more collective approach to farm supports.
- Pesticide registration reform. Within weeks, Ottawa plans to announce new proposals to streamline national rules on how and when to approve new pesticides for use in Canada.
Quebec likely will insist on its own rules to better reflect the needs of its own farmers.
