Farm groups’ federal election wish list for all Canadians

Opinion

Farm organizations have been quick to bring forward some lengthy election wish lists for politicians to consider during Canada’s 37-day sprint to the April 28 vote.

It’s no surprise tariffs top the list. Farm groups are calling on the federal government to do whatever it takes to maintain tariff-free access to the U.S. and Chinese markets for livestock and grains.

“Tariffs, and the potential for tariffs, from the two key markets of the U.S. and China are the largest threats facing our industry today,” said Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork. “If trade restrictions last without mitigation, jobs and income in every part of Manitoba will be impacted.”

Manitoba exports approximately 90 per cent of the eight million pigs producers raise annually, either live or after processing. American plans are not yet known, but China has slapped tariffs on Canadian pork in retaliation for the federal government’s decision to place 100 per cent tariffs on imported Chinese-made electric vehicles.

The canola sector is already facing a double whammy, after canola-based biofuel was declared ineligible for U.S. Clean Fuels Production Credit program in January and China placed tariffs on canola oil and meal imports this month.

Combined, the U.S. and China account for more than half of Canadian grain and oilseed exports. Notably, seed sales which are the biggest canola export to China by far, haven’t been hit with tariffs — at least not yet.

“These tariffs will push down the prices farmers receive for our crops, just as input costs and government regulations are already eating into our bottom line,” said Tara Sawyer, chair of Grain Growers of Canada.

“When farmers see prices drop, it impacts every part of their operation — from how much they can invest in next year’s crop to their ability to support their families. We’re being forced to pay the price for political decisions beyond our control.”

Even though Liberal Leader Mark Carney suspended the consumer portion of the carbon tax, farmers continue to lobby for the industrial tax to be eliminated as well, fearing its cost will still be passed back to the farm.

Another wish high on their list was granted before the writ was dropped. The federal government backed off on plans to increase the amount of capital gains subject to taxation.

Farmers want more railway competition through extended interswitching, which allows shippers on one line to transfer their goods to another railway where two meet.

They want more transparency in grain markets, better contract provisions, more rural vets, better farm support programs, streamlined regulations, more money invested in research — the list goes on.

These are important issues. The arguments these groups are making are, for the most part, well-reasoned and articulate, but they risk being lost in the electioneering noise.

They also miss the mark in what is billed as the most important election of our times.

Kim Campbell, who briefly served as prime minister in 1993 before the Progressive Conservatives lost to the Liberals led by Jean Chrétien, was skewered for being a little too direct when she told a reporter: “Elections are no time to discuss serious issues.”

But she had a point. Elections are about winning over hearts and minds. The granular details are what follows.

This campaign is a rare opportunity for Canada’s agricultural sector to make its way onto the national agenda in a way it’s found hard to achieve in past campaigns.

Concepts the electorate had the luxury of taking for granted and shrugging off before — such as national security — have taken on new significance this time around.

Food security is fundamental to national security, which makes supporting this country’s agriculture a key priority and something every Canadian could support. Farmers need non-farmers in their corner now more than ever.

They must walk a fine line, reminding voters of their importance and of how they feel threatened by circumstances they cannot control, while avoiding the suggestion they are being sacrificed for the sake of others.

Whether it’s East versus West or canola farmers versus unionized autoworkers, there is little to gain and much to lose by arguing one is more important than another.

Laura Rance is executive editor, production content lead for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com

Laura Rance
Columnist

Laura Rance is editorial director at Farm Business Communications.

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