NDP calls for emergency legislation to support grain producers
Saskatchewan’s official opposition is calling on the government to pass emergency legislation to support local grain producers.
On Monday, Trent Wotherspoon, NDP critic for agriculture called on Dave Marit, minister of agriculture to act to protect producers who are unable to fulfill grain contracts from bankruptcy.
The summer saw below-average grain yields due to severely dry conditions.
“The provincial government has a role to play in ensuring protections are in place that will allow producers to carry their obligations forward to next year, and they also need to take steps to ensure that disputes between producers and grain companies can be resolved fairly and quickly,” said Wotherspoon.
The NDP also wants the province to establish an independent grain contract arbitration board to resolve disputes related to grain contracts.
Minister of Agriculture David Marit said he appreciates the NDP’s concerns and that they are listening to producers through these challenging times.
“However,” he said, “just 6 months ago, they wanted to reduce Saskatchewan Crop Insurance reserve funds, the very funds that are in place for more challenging years such as this one.”
“Unlike the NDP, we will continue to listen to producers and work with stakeholders, and we won’t be overreacting with wholesale changes to how our producers market their grain in this province,” said Merit in a statement.
He said they are committed to supporting farmers coping with the difficult growing season.
“I am convening a meeting with the grain commodity groups to discuss grain contracts, and we will continue to work with all of the players in the industry to ensure that the policies around grain contracts are fair and balanced for all parties involved,” said Merit.
Additionally, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is calling on the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) to work with producers struggling to pay their fees.
Ray Orb, SARM president, said the association is asking for even more compassion than in previous years because of the state of crops in some areas of the province.
Wade Sobkowich, executive director of WGEA, said the problem began when producers started to forward sell, which means securing a price for grain that has yet to be delivered. This led to a domino effect for the industry.
“Producers forward sold and some forward sold more than they probably should have,” said Sobkowich. “This caused grain companies to forward sell into the domestic and international marketplace in order to create movement to take advantage of higher prices.”
The Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) released a survey for farmers to illustrate the problem farmers are facing throughout the province and are encouraging them to participate.
“We just want to find out from the survey what are the differences between the companies and take that information and develop a plan going forward,” said Bill Prybylski, the vice president of APAS.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.