Opinion
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
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.
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
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 haveGut 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
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
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
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
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