The 65,000-member Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased with a number of things in the new federal budget, including plans the exemption of farm fuel purchased at cardlocks from carbon pricing, says association president and Olds-area farmer Jeff Nielsen.
The GGC is also happy with the federal commitment to reform the Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission, as well as new investments in rural broadband, he said.
“We are pleased that the government continues to respond to concerns raised by farmers,” said Nielsen. “We wish the government had gone further and exempted all fuels used in grain farming from the carbon price, but this is another step in the right direction.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to get further exemptions for the sector.”
The GGC represents grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. It advocates for the federal government to take decisions that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.
Updating the Canada Grain Act and the operations of the Canadian Grain Commission is something the GGC has repeatedly called for, he said.
“GGC has long called for reform of the act and the CGC and will work with the government to ensure that the consultations on reform lead to real changes that make it more competitive and more profitable to be a grain farmer in Canada,” he said.
The budget calls for the spending of more than $1.7 billion over 13 years for rural and remote broadband, as well as a commitment to release an agri-food regulatory reform road map.
“These initiatives will make it easier to do business as a grain farmer,” he said. “Grain farmers know they can make their money from the marketplace and we will continue to support all efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Canada and to expand new markets. Grain farmers welcome these incremental steps in the right direction.”
The 2019 federal budget calls for $22.8 billion in spending over the next five years, a projected deficit of almost $20 billion in 2019-20, and a debt of $655 billion.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau calls it a realistic plan.
“We’re going to invest in the middle class and in the things that matter most to Canadians: good jobs, strong communities, a clean environment, and better opportunities for future generations,” said Morneau.
“So that when young people graduate from school, they’ve already got the experience they need to get a good job. So that when seniors retire, they can look forward to spending their time with family and friends, not worrying about how they’ll pay their bills every month.”
The federal Conservatives panned the budget.
“A government that lives within its means, that leaves more money in your pocket, and lets you get ahead,” said Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer.
“That is the choice for Canadians come this October. That is what we are prepared to give each and every person in this country. We stand ready, Conservatives stand ready, to restore ethical, transparent and accountable government to Canadians.”
