November 16, 2022 (Ottawa, ON) – On news that Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, passed the Agriculture and Agri-Food committee, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to commend the cross-party work of the Committee and urge all Members of Parliament to pass this legislation as it returns to the house for third and final reading.
“With the threat of global food insecurity looming, we must champion food security, affordability and accessibility,” says GGC Chair Andre Harpe from his farm in Alberta’s Peace Country. “Canadian farmers need practical on-farm policy that aligns sustainability and competitiveness. It’s encouraging to see support come from across-party lines, but now is the time for all parties to come together and support Bill C-234.”
Farmers pay a carbon price for utilizing natural gas and propane for necessary farming practices, like grain drying, irrigating their land, and heating or cooling their barns. With no viable fuel alternatives, pricing these activities does not provide a signal to lower emissions from these sources. Bill C-234 will put money back into the hands of farmers so that they can continue to invest in practices that drive innovation, further efficiencies and reduce fuel usage.
Sponsored by MP Ben Lobb (Huron-Bruce), the proposed legislation builds on Bill C-206, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and S-215, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Bill C-234 will amend the federal government’s carbon pricing legislation to provide an exemption from the carbon tax for natural gas and propane used on-farm for grain drying, irrigation, heating, and cooling barns. GGC applauds Ben Lobb for bringing this legislation forward and thanks the Agriculture and Agri-Food committee for their work reviewing the Bill.
“If we want to improve agriculture’s overall sustainability, we need to allow farmers to reach their full potential,” adds Harpe. “We understand the need to hasten the adoption of technologies and practices that could reduce emissions. Investments in innovation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; With rising input costs, inflation and supply chain shortages, carbon surcharges on necessary farm activities adds an additional burden and pulls capital away from critical investments.”
GGC continues to engage with government partners, farm organizations and industry across Canada to develop and promote policy that aligns the federal government’s goals with the unique needs and opportunities of the sector. As such, GGC looks forward to advocating for Bill C-234 throughout the legislative process.
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For more information:
Hayley Stacey
Communications Consultant
P: (204)804-3333
E: media@ggc-pgc.ca
Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 90,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 15 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.