Policy Issues

Policy: National

Bill C-234

Carbon pricing drives farmers’ food production costs even higher. While some industries can pass production costs to consumers, a large amount of Canadian food production is exported and attracts the international price where carbon pricing doesn’t apply. This makes Canadian farmers less competitive in the international market and threatens the viability of Canadian agriculture. At Alberta Canola, we support Bill-C234 and its proposal to remove the carbon pricing on heating fuels used on farms.

Status: This bill is currently being discussed in the House of Commons regarding the amendments proposed by the senate.

Policy: National

Bill C-282

Bill C-282 runs counter to Canada’s long-standing trade policy and will hurt Canada during trade negotiations. Through legislation, this bill restricts Canada’s ability to make decisions and contradicts the government’s objective of achieving comprehensive trade outcomes. Alberta Canola supports the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) taking a lead role to oppose the bill.

Status: This bill is currently subject to debate at the Senate. 

Policy: National

C-47 Extended Interswitching

Extended interswitching is a measure which gives shippers who are physically located on a single rail line the ability to seek competing service from the next closest railway within a certain distance. This balances negotiations in a way that encourages better service and pricing for the benefit of entire supply chains.

Status: Extended interswitching measures in Bill C-47 have been passed – a win for Canadians. Further advocacy efforts are ongoing to extend the duration of the extended interswitching pilot currently in place.

Policy: National

Lambda-cyhalothrin

The CGC is taking the lead for advocating on the issue surrounding new regulation that has removed crop protection products containing Lambda-cyhalothrin on crops used as feed.

Status: Letters have been drafted and numerous meetings have been held with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Policy: National

Modernization of the Canadian Grain Act

Over the past 40 years, there’s been significant changes to the way Canadians farm—and the same is true for how we sell, deliver, and handle grain. That’s how long it’s been since the Canada Grain Act was last reviewed. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is reviewing the Act and looking at how the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) can be modernized to better meet the needs of the grain sector.

Status: Consultations with the federal government are ongoing.

Policy: National

Right to Repair 

The right to repair movement strives to enhance the capacity of owners or certified third-party mechanics to obtain the information and components required for repairing agricultural equipment. Improving access to repair protocols, diagnostic tools, and parts is essential to guarantee that farm machinery remains operational during crucial periods such as the growing and harvesting seasons.

Two relevant bills that are supportive of the right to repair movement for agricultural equipment are currently in the Canadian Senate: C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), and C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability).   

Status: Bills C-244 and C-294 are both currently sitting within the Senate. Consultations with the federal government are ongoing.