Submissions

On behalf of the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC), Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

It is our view that the federal government has a clear role in establishing a legislative framework that strikes a measured and appropriate balance with the intent to create a competitive market for equipment repair that will allow farmers the choice to safely conduct all repairs themselves, through a qualified third party, or through OEM dealerships. Changes could also encourage new business opportunities for Canadians by creating more repair shops in rural communities. Supporting a legislative framework that supports the interoperability of farm equipment will also help competitiveness, drive innovation, and provide cost-effective options for farmers. We continue to be supportive of Bills C-244 and C-294 currently in the Senate and how they can contribute towards fostering right to repair framework for agricultural machinery in Canada.

A joint letter with many stakeholders including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, urging the government to intervene and do everything necessary to avert a disruption in Canada’s Class I railways.

The last few years have been challenging for potato growers in Canada, following the restrictions on PEI potato exports to the USA in 2021. Although this decision has been revoked and exports have resumed, these decisions have caused irrevocable harm to the “PEI potato” brand and seed exports from PEI to other Canadian provinces is still prohibited. CFA further recommends that CFIA collaborates with the potato growers’ organizations on the development of compensation regulations that include loss of future potato revenue and devaluation of farmland due to declassification of farmland.

At a high level, these comments recommended:

– Eliminating protectionist measure and non-tariff trade barriers that limit market access for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
– Developing new measures so that imported products have the same standards and safety measures as domestic products.
– Remaining committed to not granting new market access to supply-managed products.
– Have Global Affairs Canada (GAC) adopt a transparent approach as it moves through the next steps of the process.

It is important for young people to learn about the environment, their place in it, and how their actions, individually and collectively, impact it. However, CFA believes it is also crucial for them to learn about how Canadian farmers are leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, about how Canadian farmers are spearheading the solutions instead of being part of the problem when it comes to environmental sustainability.

We need to ensure that the proposed personal income tax measures announced in Budget 2024 do not jeopardize the transfer of assets from one generation of farmer to another, but rather encourage the next generation of farmers to take up the calling, drive much needed rural economic activity and help the agriculture sector reach its growth potential.

CFA submitted comments on the impacts of a potential rail strike, noting that it would negatively impact farmer finances, Canada’s reputation as a dependable trade partner and that farmers cannot afford the uncertainty caused by a rail strike.

It is crucial that supply chains continue to operate throughout the collective bargaining process. Not only does a prolonged work stoppage threaten our international reputation, but places upward pressure on inflation and the cost of consumer goods thereby threatening our national food security.

We request that the Government of Canada oppose the adoption of any indicator that is based on use, as it would contradict the agreed text of Target 7 at COP 15. In addition, during these negotiations we ask the Government of Canada to focus on the development of indicators that will better address the issue of pesticide pollution risk reduction.

CFA welcomes the development of this framework for pesticide water monitoring programs in Canada and supports the development of these programs.

The submission outlined the many concerns that CFA membership had over these proposed codes, as well as recommendations on how to formulate them with agriculture building in mind, including providing exemptions.

We recommend that the employer’s ability to re-assign existing non-unionized workers within a company, including management staff, be maintained when necessary to maintain Canada’s domestic food and feed supply. Our hope would be that management could still provide critical functions during such stoppages to allow the flow of agricultural goods.