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
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.