More than a century after its creation, there is no visible sign remaining of the File Hills Farm Colony in southern Saskatchewan. But the painful memories of an experiment that epitomized the culture of assimilation permeating that era’s attitudes towards Canada’s Indigenous peoples still live in the collective memories of residential school survivors. Likewise for some of the racist attitudes and policies that still exist today.
Reconciling the painful past creates hope for a more promising future
The File Hills Colony near Balcarres, Sask. epitomized everything that was wrong about colonial attitudes towards Indigenous peoples. But new models for Indigenous agriculture are emerging
Opinion: Opportunities available to participate in reconciliation
Soil scientist aims to complete picture of available opportunities in Indigenous communities
The combined enthusiasm of First Nations for agriculture, mixed with added interest from government and industry, is creating exciting opportunities – despite continued barriers. That enthusiasm was well on display during FHQ Development’s two-day, Indigenous Agricultural Innovation Conference, held virtually in September. Attendees heard from a diverse set of speakers, including Melissa Arcand, who is
Comment: Carbon border adjustments are coming
The mechanism will level the playing field for exporters
Carbon border adjustments are coming to Canada – it is just a matter of when. Ten days before calling the election, the Liberal government announced consultations would officially begin on carbon border adjustments. A policy paper detailing the policy was included. BCAs aim to reduce the so-called “carbon leakage” occurring when a company leaves a
Opinion: Election didn’t offer much for PM options
It was an election of voting against, not voting for
As yet another federal election wound down as press time approached, it was discouraging to see so many Canadians once again disgruntled with their options – but I can’t blame them. Leading into this election, the governing Liberals had already spent much of the political capital they earned following their 2015 sweep to victory. Optimism
Comment: Is it worth voting Conservative again?
ELECTION | There are perils in being seen as a too-reliable voting bloc
Producers on the Prairies are expected to once again support the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). Polling suggests the CPC vote share could be on the rise, and there is a chance the party sweeps all the seats in Saskatchewan again – this time with a higher share of the vote than in 2019. We’ve
Federal support for farmers focus of ag leaders’ debate
AgriStability, carbon levy exemptions, supply management among topics
An agricultural debate ahead of the federal election gave representatives from political parties an opportunity to pitch their ideas to producers, resulting in debate over how best to support farmers. Thursday evening’s debate, hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, had plenty of discussion about climate change and how best to support producers in a
Comment: Can Canada lead on ag at upcoming climate talks?
There’s a new push to address agriculture’s contribution to global pollution
A new, particularly stark warning about climate change shows Canadian agriculture could be a lighthouse to other nations trying to mitigate greenhouse gases. Word that global warming is “widespread, rapid, and intensifying” has likely spread across the country by now. Yet another report, this one from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
Opinion: Co-operation breakdown
Drought-prompted AgriStability changes are not a sign of continued co-operation
A drought forced the federal and Saskatchewan government to reach an agreement on AgriStability – but is it a sign of what’s to come? Near the start of August, the two governments agreed to allow Saskatchewan producers early access to the 2021 payments they are entitled to. The two ministers of agriculture involved, Marie-Claude Bibeau
Opinion: UN summit shows climate change not going away
The direction isn’t clear, but the amount of discussion on agriculture and climate change says the policy winds will blow
Attendees of a recent UN event hint a heightened focus on agriculture and climate change is coming. Held in Rome (and virtually), the United Nations Food System Pre-Summit acted as a precursor to the main event, taking place in September. Simply put, the objective of attendees is to launch new strategies to help deliver on
‘Game-changing’ policy proposals released ahead of Food Systems Summit
International meeting by United Nations is set to take on big issues this fall
Ahead of the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, a lengthy list of “game-changing” action items have been released by organizers, including proposals for integrating climate plans across nations and developing a “responsible meat” initiative. Taking place in September, many expect the summit to launch new strategies for achieving the international community’s 17 development goals. That
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
