politics

A Private Member’s Bill aimed at exempting natural gas and propane used for certain farming practices from the carbon tax, is front-and-centre again in the Senate. It’s possible, that debate over Bill 234 will resume, or be put over to another day. On Tuesday, there was debate on the bill in the upper chamber and the […]

Bill C-234 is facing more delays, following a vote by the Senate Ag Committee this morning. Committee members by a margin of 7-6 voted in favour of at least one major amendment to carve out an exemption from the carbon tax when it comes to drying grain, but not for heating or cooling barns. That amendment […]

There was pushback this week, as the commons ag committee debates bill 275. The bill was introduced by Alberta tory MP John Barlow. It’s an amendment to the health of animals act, to make it illegal to trespass into barns or facilities where animals are kept. Barlow says it stems from an incident a few […]

Ongoing tensions between Canada and India is being watched closely by the President and CEO of AGT Foods, Murad Al-Katib. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was credible intelligence that India had a role in the killing of a prominent Sikh leader in B.C. who was also a Canadian citizen. India replied […]

The federal government is reviewing the merger between ag company giants Viterra and Bunge. Both companies announced the $8.2-billion (US) deal in June. Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez says the deal is of significant national interest in Canada’s transportation sector and the broader supply chain, as both companies hold ownership interests in port terminals across […]

Saskatchewan Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison is leading a delegation on a trade mission to the U.K. and Poland, starting tomorrow (Sat). The objective, according to a provincial news release, is to expand opportunities in agriculture, critical minerals, innovative technology, immigration, and talent attraction. Harrison and company will first stop in the United Kingdom for an […]

A bill that exempts the federal carbon tax from grain drying and heating barns will be up for discussion again tomorrow (Thurs) in the Senate. Bill C-234 almost made it across the finish line back in June, when two liberal leaning senators, including Senator Pierre Delphond of Quebec, demanded further discussion on an issue that’s […]

Trade has been front-and-centre lately between Canada and the U.K., as well as with India. Starting with the United Kingdom, Canada is in the middle of bi-lateral trade talks with them, but there is a barrier – the U.K.’s refusal to accept Canada’s food safety standards on beef and pork. Another concern is Canada announcing […]

Saskatchewan is playing host to a big meeting of agriculture officials all over North America. The Tri-National Agricultural Accord is meeting in Saskatoon today (Tues) and tomorrow (Wed). Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit says representatives from Mexico, 22 U.S. states, and several provinces from Quebec to Alberta will be there. Delegates will be visiting the […]

Russia attacked a key Ukrainian port today sending global food prices higher.  The attacks halted ships in their tracks as they prepared to arrive there to load up with Ukrainian grain in defiance of a de-facto blockade Russia reimposed in mid-July. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister said warehouses and grain elevators were hit in the attacks and […]