Letters

NFU asks Minister to rescind Health Canada guidance for Novel Food Regulations

As Minister, you have a duty to protect and inform Canadians regarding matters of health, and you have a duty as a Minister of the Crown to uphold democratic values. A regulatory guidance is an instrument which must remain within the authority of the regulation approved by Cabinet. An interpretation that goes beyond the limits of the regulation itself creates a situation where the bureaucracy is over-reaching its role and usurping the authority of Cabinet. As Minister, we call upon you to prevent your department from taking a course of action that is contrary to our democratic traditions. We therefore urge you to rescind the announced “final guidance for the Novel Food Regulations.”

Canada should reject compromise proposal on TRIPS waiver in its present form: civil society groups

Canadian organizations concerned with vaccine equity and the TRIPS waiver negotiations at the World Trade Organization are urging the Canadian government to not accept a compromise counterproposal negotiated by the United States, European Union, India and South Africa, but to work with WTO members to fix its deficiencies. For more on the TRIPS waiver, see https://policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/updates/trips-covid-19-waiver.

Letter: Budget 2022 – Economic Dignity for Farmers

While global crises multiply and intensify it is clear that we can no longer afford a food and agriculture system designed to maximize the ability of the most powerful to extract value with “just in time” and “lean” approaches while leaving farmers, workers and consumers and our communities to absorb mounting costs and burdens. Budget 2022 is the perfect time to begin building a policy framework that provides the economic dignity and resilience Canadians need to navigate our interdependent future with confidence.

Letter to Minister Bibeau – Urgent Need for Agri-Recovery

Dear Minister Bibeau, RE: Urgent need for Agri-Recovery CC Minister Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture We are writing to you in follow-up to our January 10, 2022 letter to British Columbia’s Minister Popham, on which you were copied, urgently requesting help for BC’s ranchers. We understand that the province triggers Agri-Recovery, and then there is

Request for investigation of fertilizer pricing in Canada

On January 12, the NFU sent the following letter asking the Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food to launch an investigation into fertilizer prices. Dear Mr. Blois, RE: Request for investigation of fertilizer pricing in Canada The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned about possible profiteering by fertilizer companies.

Letter to BC’s Agriculture Minister—Urgent Need for Agri-Recovery

Dear Minister Popham, RE: Urgent need for Agri-Recovery British Columbia’s ranchers are in desperate need of Agri-Recovery funds. On December 15 you urged producers to save receipts while the BC and federal governments worked out the details of emergency support. Weeks later, farmers and ranchers are still waiting, and the need for help is beyond

NFU asks AB and SK to allow late enrollment in AgriStability

Dear Minister Marit/Minister Horner RE: Late enrollment in AgriStability The National Farmers Union (NFU) is requesting that you trigger late-enrollment in the AgriStability Program for your province’s farmers and ranchers for the 2021 season, one of the most challenging on record. Many farmers made a business decision to forward contract a portion of their crop.

NFU asks PM to address ag crises in Minster’s mandate

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau The National Farmers Union would like to extend our congratulations to you for your successful re-election, as well as to all newly-elected and returning Members of Parliament. We also extend our appreciation to all candidates who participated in the election. Agriculture policy is fundamental to Canada’s economic, social and environmental well-being.

NFU urges Saskatchewan to declare National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday

Dear Premier Moe, National Farmers Union Region 6, Saskatchewan, urges the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Party, and the Saskatchewan NDP to join in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to declare 30 September a statutory holiday. The Canadian government has recognized the importance of Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation by proclaiming

Federal Election 2021: Ag Platforms of the Major Parties

The following is an overview of party platforms pertaining to agriculture, as of August 31, 2021, for the four largest national parties (in alphabetical order). Conservative Party The Conservatives have a detailed agricultural platform. The Party’s 83-page Canada’s Recovery Plan promises, in part, to: Respect and defend supply management … and ensure that farming families