Voluntary Better Than Legislated

Thousand Seed Weight (grams) Estimated Canola Plant Populations Under Various Seeding Conditions To maximize yield, ideal plant populations range from seven to 14 plants/ft2. At any set seeding rate (lb./ac.), the typical average for emergence is around 50 per cent depending on field conditions. The plant population will also be affected by seed size, measured

Short Bill Sparks Hot Debate

Bill C-474 is sure stirring up a lot a fuss for being only 42 words long. The bill states in its entirety: “The governor-in-council shall, within 60 days after this act comes into force, amend the Seeds Regulations to require that an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of


MPs Need To Pay Attention

“…I’ve told them only to use their BlackBerrys when absolutely necessary.” – mp larry miller on the commons ag committee Grain Growers of Canada wants members of the House of Commons’ agriculture committee to set aside their differences and engage in a more constructive debate. “BlackBerry use, partisan attacks and a general lack of professionalism

NDP Proposes Tough Restrictions For New GE Crops

Aprivate member’s bill before the House of Commons this month would require regulators to consider the potential market impact of any new genetically engineered crop before approving it. Alex Atamanenko should get the backing of his fellow NDPers as well as Bloq MPs, who are against GE crops. The Liberals tend to be divided on


Coalition Attacks Prison Farm Closures

Acampaign against the closing of Canada’s prison farms could signal a new opposition aggressiveness against the Conservative government’s anti-crime agenda when Parliament reconvenes next month. Speakers at a panel discussion last week slammed Ottawa’s plan to shut down Correction Canada’s six prison farms, including the Rockwood Institution at Stony Mountain Penitentiary. The closures reflect the

Food Safety A Priority

When Parliament resumes next mo n t h , t h e Harper government should make introduction of long-promised food safety improvements a priority, says a food industry coalition. The Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition, which represents farm, food industry and consumer groups, wants the government to start consulting now. Many factors need to


Canada Picks Up Wheat Exports To Africa From AWB

The Canadian Wheat Board has picked up some wheat export sales to Africa from AWB Ltd., because the former Australian Wheat Board can no longer guarantee supply, CWB chief executive Ian White said Jan. 28. “Some customers in Africa who used to get 100 per cent of their supply from the Australian Wheat Board have

Gun bill hasn’t died

I would like to put to rest any suggestion that my private member’s bill to end the long-gun registry ended with the government’s action to prorogue Parliament. I am pleased to inform you that Alex Binkley’s reports of the death of Bill C-391, which would repeal the long-gun registry, are highly exaggerated. In his Jan.


Canada Sees Ratifying Colombia Trade Deal

The Canadian government hopes to have Parliament ratify its free trade agreement with Colombia shortly after it resumes sitting on March 3, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said Jan. 21. The two countries negotiated the trade deal last spring, but it did not pass through Canada’s Parliament before the Conservative government suspended it last month until

FCWB Defends Wheat Board Against Ottawa In Court

“We’re saying a minister should not be able to change or override the regulations and the voting procedures of the Canadian Wheat Board just through a simple letter of instruction and a secret one at that.” – STEWART WELLS Allegations that Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz exceeded his authority by instructing the Canadian Wheat Board to