In a shocking blow to Canadian agriculture, the Senate of Canada has displayed a glaring disregard for the pressing needs of the nation’s grain farmers. The much-anticipated C-234, aimed at rectifying flawed government policies and abolishing the carbon tax on propane and natural gas for crucial applications like grain dryers and the temperature control of barns and livestock buildings, finds itself languishing due to petty partisan procedural manoeuvres.
Daryl Fransoo, Chair, expressed his frustration, noting the private member brought C-234 forward to correct a gap in the legislation.
“Given the recent government flip-flop on the carbon tax in the Atlantic provinces for heating oil, the government should have corrected this error months ago,” said Fransoo. “It is obvious that with few Liberal MPs across the prairies, the government has decided to continue to penalize prairie grain farmers.”
Despite being passed unanimously by all parties in the House of Commons on March 29, 2023, this vital Private Members Bill is now entangled in unnecessary procedural delays, hindering its progress at the Third Reading. Fransoo raised concerns about potential undue influence from the Prime Minister’s Office and certain Cabinet Ministers on Senators, stressing that such actions would constitute a serious breach of parliamentary procedure and underscore the government’s lack of understanding or support for Canadian agriculture.
The repercussions of delaying C-234’s passage are profound. It jeopardizes significant portions of farmers’ income and perpetuates an adverse impact on the nation’s grocery prices.
Fransoo said, “We can’t overstate the urgency of this legislation, and the Senate’s indifference threatens the livelihoods of those at the heart of Canada’s agricultural sector.”
This Liberal government is slapping Canadian farmers in the face and disrespecting the will of the House of Commons, said John Barlow, MP for Foothills, AB and shadow minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security. “Canadians deserve affordable food. Conservatives won’t stand by and let this happen—the fight must continue.”
However, amidst this disheartening situation, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) emerged as a beacon of support for Bill C-234. In a November 9, 2023 statement, the CPC endorsed the bill, highlighting its critical role in amending the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The proposed changes seek to extend the exemption for qualifying farming fuel to marketable natural gas and propane, offering much-needed financial relief to the agricultural sector.
René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council, conveyed gratitude to senators who recognized the significance of C-234 in its original form. He emphasized that the bill is crucial for the industry’s prosperity and, by extension, influences Canadian grocery prices. The legislation ensures that eligible farming machinery includes all practices requiring natural gas or propane, such as grain drying, irrigation, feed preparation, and the climate control of agricultural structures.
Roy stressed the importance of swift government action, urging the passage of Bill C-234 into law. Producers require a solution that aligns with the realities of their operations, allowing them to adopt best management practices and invest in on-farm innovations, essential but costly endeavours.
As the fate of C-234 hangs in the balance, the Canadian Pork Council stands as a resolute advocate for the bill’s swift passage, emphasizing its critical role in preserving the planet, sustaining the pork industry, and fostering Canada’s commitment to global sustainability standards. The call to action is clear: the Senate must prioritize the well-being of Canadian farmers and expedite the passage of Bill C-234, acknowledging its pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural and economic landscape. •
— By Harry Siemens