Protecting farmers in the new trade scenario
At a fall commodity group meeting with International Trade
Minister Jim Carr in Winnipeg, KAP president Bill Campbell
stressed the need for compensation to supply-managed sectors
as a result of recent trade agreements. The group also
raised the carbon tax that is being imposed by the federal
government and ways in which the government could
help farmers remain competitive. They also raised business
risk management programs and highlighted the need for
better programming that will protect farmers in the new
trade scenario.
Making connections between farmers and MLAs
KAP brought together over 80 farmers and MLAs in November
at its Famer Appreciation Day lunch, which took place at the
Legislative Building. The annual event provides an opportunity
for connections to be made between farmers and the provincial
decision makers who shape the policies that support the agriculture
industry in Manitoba.
Also at the event, KAP, the province and Fertilizer Canada
renewed their memorandum of understanding to promote 4R
Nutrient Stewardship – fertilizer application from the right
source, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place.
This concept maximizes fertilizer performance and minimizes
its effects on the environment – protecting air, water and soil
resources, as well as farmers’ bottom lines.
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Meeting with CN officials
The KAP board of directors met in August with officials from
CN rail, who outlined their plans to increase rail capacity.
These include:
•• $400 million on infrastructure spending in Western
Canada.
•• Placing 3,000 cars in strategic locations in the event there
is a problem.
•• Ordering 60 new locomotives, as well as new hopper cars.
•• Increasing personnel.
Under Bill C-49, railways are required to submit a grain
movement plan to the federal government by for fall and winter.
The officials noted that they consulted with stakeholders to do
this – including KAP members.
Opposing loss of rural electoral seat
KAP has urged the Manitoba Electoral Divisions Boundaries
Commission to change its recommendation that would see one
seat removed from rural Manitoba and an additional seat created
in Winnipeg. The recommendation was made in the commission’s
interim report, which recommended changes to the
province’s electoral divisions due to population changes since
the last review in 2008.
KAP contends that farmers and others who live outside
Winnipeg already feel deprived of effective political representation
because of the concentration of political power within
Winnipeg.
“It is the opinion of many KAP members that the issues of
people who live outside the perimeter highway are ignored,”
said Campbell.
KAP also criticized the commission for holding
important public consultations on boundary changes
during harvest. FV
Zoya Yuzvak/ 123RF
RE-KAP
22 § Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Winter 2019
/neeralta.com
