Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks to the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, 2018. If an election is called, the federal Liberals will look to turn its perceived support into a stronger mandate.

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

Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme announces the discovery of the unmarked graves of hundreds of people, June 24, 2021.

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.


‘… when it comes to tending to the environment in a sustainable way and caring for animals humanely, Manitoba farmers are world leaders.’ – Cam Dahl.

Opinion: Public trust and modern agriculture

Don’t dread the public’s newfound interest — treat it as an opportunity

I find that many farmers react to the words “public trust” like a cat running across hot pavement. The subject is often viewed as a threat, seen by some as rhetorical cover for those who want to dismantle modern agriculture. While I understand the reaction, I have a different response. I see public questions on

UN

Fraser: Expectations should be low for Food Systems Summit

global The emerging international consensus is unlikely to please the Canadian ag sector

The emerging international consensus is unlikely to please the Canadian ag sector Canadian producers should prepare for disappointment at the upcoming United Nations’ Food Systems Summit. Planned to take place in New York this September, the summit will look to launch new strategies to deliver on the UN’s 17 development goals. In Canada, dialogues have


Gut microbiome critical to horse health

Immune, neurological and hormonal systems can all be affected Although invisible to the naked eye, the horse and human cannot exist apart from the biology and ecology of their microbiome and the microbiome is being heralded as the next most important bodily system. There is emerging evidence that the gut microbiome with its complex interactions

A report suggests that increasing soil carbon levels is one way to limit greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change.

Opinion: IEA report has consequences for agricultural producers

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) widely publicized report on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve global targets further bolsters the case more needs to be done in agriculture to combat climate change. Producers, as the report notes, can’t be excluded from that effort. Released this month, the report lists 400 actions that will need to


Opinion: Farmers, workers deserve better than Switch

The company tasked with managing coronavirus tests for travellers entering Canada continues to cause headaches for farmers and the international workers they employ. Switch Health is managing the tests being given to travellers pre- and post-arrival. Over one year into the pandemic, it is reasonable to expect processes like this to be effectively managed. That

Operating in a comparatively more theatrical political environment than Canada, U.S. President Joe Biden is tasked with convincing producers he does not plan on banning hamburgers.

Opinion: U.S., Canada have same challenge in selling green policies to producers

Farmers aren’t typically core constituents of Liberals or Democrats

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are fighting the same fight in trying to get farmers on board with ambitious climate plans. Industry groups and associations in both countries will say already efforts are being made to reduce emissions, but critics say otherwise. The U.S. administration’s new, unprecedented dedication to fighting climate change


Scott Moe contends carbon stored by the Saskatchewan producers “should be recognized going back decades.”

Opinion: Scott Moe’s carbon credit stance unsalable

Emitters won’t recognize — or pay for — carbon sequestered decades ago

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe continuing to believe farmers should be credited for decades-old actions demonstrates his overall reluctance to recognize the significance of climate change. Beaten by the Supreme Court of Canada, Moe is now in the unenviable position of having to develop and introduce a carbon pricing policy. Most of his constituents don’t want

Such criticism is misleading, and wrongly places the blame on Ottawa.

Opinion: Feds came with cash, Prairies didn’t

The western provinces want to blame the feds for failing to fund, while keeping their own purses closed

The Prairie provinces are being disingenuous in their failure to take responsibility for AgriStability reform talks that floundered largely due to their tight pockets. Yes, the AgriStability saga between Prairie provinces and the federal government continues, despite the two sides agreeing on a major reform. After more than a year of back-and-forth negotiations, provinces agreed


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