Updated — As the federal government looks to manage impacts of ongoing drought conditions in Canada’s West, producers in parts of five provinces can already expect to be eligible for the livestock tax deferral program. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Thursday in Winnipeg that producers in drought-designated areas of southern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, northwestern
Tax deferrals, crop insurance changes en route against drought
Assessments underway for AgriRecovery, minister says
Farm fuel exemption hung up in Senate
If an election is called the private member’s bill will be effectively dead
A widely supported law intending to exempt grain-drying costs from federal carbon pricing might not get passed, despite gaining enough support from MPs. Canada’s Senate adjourned on June 29, and isn’t scheduled to return until Sept. 21. If an election is called in the interim, as many expect, legislation not passed by the Senate effectively dies. Conservative Party
Opinion: As an election looms
It’s looking like a fall election is increasingly likely, but it will only come when the government triggers it
There’s a sense of excitement, and dread, in Ottawa as an election sits on the horizon. We don’t know when an election is coming, but politicians and staffers are preparing to hit the campaign trail. Here is what is clear now. First, Parliament is scheduled to resume sitting Sept. 20. The minority Liberals survived the most recent session without
Dairy groups call for grocer oversight
New fees were imposed last year by major retailers, sparking controversy and concern
Canada’s dairy industry is asking for provinces to oversee a code of practice for grocery retailers. In a letter to federal ministers, leaders from dairy groups say the “best solution” to “arbitrary fees and deductions” would be through “the development of provincial codes that are legislated, mandatory and enforceable.” The country’s top grocery retailers drew fire from food suppliers in 2020 after
Industry-led code of conduct for food retailers on horizon
Fees create 'uncertainty' for producers, processors
A report from a federal-provincial working group says the retail sector has levied an increasing number of fees on suppliers, and is proposing the formation of a code of conduct as a potential solution. Canada’s agriculture ministers are now calling on industry to lead the process. They had formed the working group to study the
Carbon levy increase impact ‘small’ on agriculture: PBO
Action limited to only certain activities and will result in a small carbon reduction
An increased carbon levy, and other measures aimed at achieving Canada’s emissions targets, won’t impact agriculture relative to other industries, according to a new report. The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released a report June 23 assessing impacts of the government’s plan to exceed the 2030 Paris reduction target for Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Our assessment
Multi-partisan committee calls for special measures to protect farmers
MPs release list of recommendations and priorities for WTO reform efforts
A federal International Trade committee recommends Canada implement special measures to protect farmers. In its latest report, MPs on the committee released a list of recommendations and priorities for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). During witness testimony, members from the major parties heard about challenges experienced at the WTO. Officials from Global Affairs said
Indonesia warns of ‘challenging’ trade talks with Canada
Wheat and soybeans seen as two key agricultural commodities for Canada
Canada is preparing to formally launch bilateral trade negotiations later this year with Indonesia, but already plans to include gender, environmental and labour provisions in a deal are being described as a “challenge.” The two nations have long flirted with the idea of a trade agreement, with Canada launching stakeholder consultations of the subject in
Opinion: Truth and reconciliation efforts can’t stop
The story of farmers and First Nations is a long and complex one
It is a privilege to write in this space, and this week I thought it was appropriate to amplify a strong First Nations voice, while providing a bit of historical context. Days before having to address the nation, and press from across the globe, Cadmus Delorme was touting the grain farm on Cowessess First Nation.
Indigenous-led agricultural projects get funding
Goal is to build a more ‘inclusive agriculture sector,’ feds say
Sixteen projects to help support Indigenous-led food system initiatives will receive $4 million from the federal government. “Our government is working to create a more inclusive agriculture sector that respects the values of Indigenous Peoples,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie Claude Bibeau in a statement. “These investments are intended to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have equal
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
