Country singer’s anti-coal petition canceled by Alberta government
An anti-coal mining petition led by country singer Corb Lund has been canceled by the Alberta provincial government.
Lund’s team will now need to re-apply under more stringent rules.
Lund is part of a years-long campaign to stop coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
A group of landowners is concerned about waste from mining operations entering the local watershed,
leading to issues such as selenium contamination. Such contamination can cause serious health issues for animals and humans.
Prior to the petition’s cancelation, the Alberta government amended rules which included those around citizen referendums. Previously, Premier Danielle Smith said she supported citizen referenda and would be watching Lund’s with interest.
Lund told the Western Producer he intends to go forward with a second petition. He said there needs to be “hard, clear legislation” of no new coal mining anywhere on the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
Lund added that there is no ulterior motive to the campaign other than to keep the water clean.
Unclear food labels hinder Canada’s buy local surge
In the wake of a surge in buying Canadian, maple leaves have popped up all over Canadian grocery stores.
However, slapping a leaf logo on a tin doesn’t make the food inside Canadian. That can be a problem for shoppers and farmers, said economist Marnie Scott.
A maple leaf may indicate a Canadian company, a Canadian standard or Canadian labour. The claim “made in Canada” means the final processing was done in Canada and more than half of direct costs trace back to Canada.
Product of Canada means the processing was done in Canada, and 98 per cent of direct costs trace back domestically. Prepared in Canada or Processed in Canada may describe nothing about where the ingredients come from.
This sort of ‘maple washing’ may mean Canadian farmers lose out, Scott said.
She created a website that lists 450 companies and some 4,800 products with insights and sourcing information. She said it’s up to farmers and consumers to protect and grow the agri-food industry,
and one way they can do that is by deciding what they want to buy.
Canadian tractor sales slump, combine purchases up
Canadian farmers bought slightly fewer tractors this year compared to last year. However, combine purchases rose.
According to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, total tractor sales from January to November were down 0.3 per cent. Combine sales were up 1.6 per cent.
Farm equipment sales have been on a downward trend over the last few years. Crop prices have declined, while operating costs have risen. This has squeezed farm finances and may have led to farmers putting off purchases, or opting for used equipment.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, have seen their sales decline. FCC economics reported sales down 18 per cent in the first nine months of the year as compared to 2024.
Sales growth in some categories has been driven by demand for used equipment. Machinery makers have also been dealing with the effects of U.S. tariffs on things like steel and aluminum.
In late November, Deere and Co said it expects tariff impacts to come in around 600 million US dollars.
FCC said it expects equipment sale weakness to continue next year.
