This federal election, like many before it, has had scant discussion of agriculture despite it being responsible for seven percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
It has become a fact of life that most of us have come to accept. We might feel disrespected over the slight, but somebody figured out a long time ago that agricultural issues don’t move votes.
Even those of us who live and work in agriculture often cast our votes on other issues — for the leader, party or member of Parliament — rather than agricultural policy.
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Maybe that’s something we all should think about more before we head to the polls Oct. 19.
Life is about relationships, experiences, interests and principles, and it is upon these general beliefs that we rightly cast our vote, usually for the leader or candidate who most closely matches our world and backyard views.
However, that shouldn’t mean agriculture can’t be part of this.
The difficulty lies in trying to discern what each party stands for. It is easy to get lost in the political spins, the negative ads, the scripted political events and the constant reporting about the horse race (who is in front rather than serious discussions about key issues), which makes it nearly impossible to come up with a clear picture of who stands for what.
Agriculture has many hot button issues that could be addressed by the four major parties. To varying degrees, some parties have waded in on some issues, but usually only in general, broad ways.
So the next time you’re at a political event, or a local candidate appears at your door, ask him respectfully for a clear response to several key ag questions:
- Everybody speaks in favour of supply management, but come crunch time at international trade talks, is it on the negotiating table? The repercussions of this question should matter to you whether you make your living in supply management or one of the export oriented sectors of farming. Whichever action the next government takes will affect your bottom line.
- What will we do about the problems with rail transportation? Aging hopper cars need to be replaced, the railway costing review is due, service contracts between shippers and railways may be mandated and the railways want to do away with the revenue cap.
- Where do they stand on the use of glyphosate? Public pressure is mounting to restrict its use? What about neonicotinoids?
- What is their position on GMO labelling? What about the use of GMO seed?
- Where does each party rank on the trading scale, from full speed ahead working for as many trade deals as possible to a go slower, more cloistered approach?
- What is the plan for helping farmers during downturns? Many fear that past cuts will cause farm programs to fall short when the economy falters.
There are certainly other issues facing agriculture at present, and a federal election should provide the perfect opportunity to press for answers.
