Grain Growers of Canada Applaud Senate’s Rejection of Bill C-234 Amendment, Call for Swift Action to Safeguard Farmers’ Future
Nov. 7, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) commends Senators for rejecting the proposed amendment to Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, eliminating provisions concerning the heating and cooling of barns and structures.
“The rejected amendment would have denied financial relief to tens of thousands of hardworking livestock, greenhouse growers, and farmers, placing undue pressure on their livelihoods and our food security,” says Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC.
Larkin emphasizes the sector’s shared technical constraints and the absence of viable alternatives, saying, “Current innovations come at a high cost, and carbon pricing on essential farm practices diverts funds from these crucial investments.
“To enhance outcomes, we must empower farmers by returning capital to them, enabling investments in operational efficiencies,” adds Larkin.
Farmers presently incur a carbon price when using natural gas and propane for necessary farming practices. Lacking viable alternatives, pricing these activities fails to lower emissions effectively.
Larkin explains, “The exemptions proposed in Bill C-234 are essential to restore working capital in farmers’ hands, enabling investments in operational efficiencies. To safeguard farmers’ profitability, sustainability and our food security, GGC urges Senators to swiftly pass this legislation at third reading. Canadian farmers have waited too long, and further delays risk withholding essential support they urgently need.”
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For more information:
Hayley Stacey
Communications Consultant
Hayley@colesag.com
204-804-3333