Bill C-234 — the private member’s bill that would remove the federal carbon tax from natural gas and propane used on farms — received final approval at third reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
The bill passed with a 176-146 vote, as Conservative, New Democrat, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party MPs voted in favour of the bill. Agriculture committee chair Kody Blois and two MPs from Prince Edward Island were the only Liberals to support the bill.
The bill, introduced by Ontario MP Ben Lobb in February 2022, would amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to exempt natural gas and propane used on farms for necessary farm practices, such as irrigation, grain drying, feed preparation, and heating or cooling of barns and greenhouses, from the federal carbon price. The exemption would not apply to off-farm grain drying.
“As Canadian farmers face rising production costs, the passage of Bill C-234 is crucial to providing much-needed financial support,” noted Dave Carey, co-chair of the Agriculture Carbon Alliance, in a news release welcoming passage of the bill. “This legislation will provide farmers with the resources to invest in innovative and sustainable on-farm practices, while ensuring the stability of our food supply. With Bill C-234 advancing to the Senate, we urge swift and decisive action to help our farmers thrive.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate where the timeline for approval is difficult to predict. As of March 30, which Senator will be sponsoring the bill has not been announced.
Woo hoo! What more can I say!? Thanks to all who voted in support in the House and to @davecarey_ and @BrandenCPC for their efforts on advancing this important piece of legislation. https://t.co/QQA3WFynAQ
— Erin K Gowriluk (@GowrilukE) March 29, 2023
Well said @davecarey_! A huge thanks to everyone who voted in favour of Bill C-234. A great show of support from key champions & all the MP’s who helped make this happen – @KodyBloisNS @BenLobbMP @JohnBarlowMP @AMacGregor4CML @yvesperronbq. #cdnag #cdnpoli
CDN AG thanks you! https://t.co/RKyXZOP7NC
— CFA (@CFAFCA) March 29, 2023
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