There are plenty of active agriculture-related files on Parliament Hill heading into the final three weeks of the spring session, including carbon pricing policy, capital gains tax changes, HPAI in dairy cattle, funding for 4-H, and the implementation of a Grocery Code of Conduct.
The Conservative Party’s shadow minister of agriculture and deputy chair of the House of Commons’ ag committee, John Barlow, joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio this week to discuss critical issues affecting Canadian farmers from his perspective, including the following topics:
Restoration of funding for 4-H if the Conservatives win the next election — Barlow emphasizes the Conservative Party’s commitment to reversing funding cuts to the 4-H program, recognizing its vital role in educating the next generation of farmers. He also stresses the importance of programs like 4-H and Ag in the Classroom in promoting awareness about modern agriculture among Canadians.
Barlow’s own farm trespassing bill, C-275, has reached the Senate committee stage — This is the private member’s bill that would make it an offence under the Health of Animals Act to enter, without lawful authority or excuse, a place in which animals are kept if doing so could result in the exposure of the animals to a disease or toxic substance. Barlow appeared before the Senate ag and forestry committee this week to speak to the merits of the bill.
The Grocery Code of Conduct is misunderstood concerning future food prices — The code was originally designed to protect fruit and vegetable producers from unfair treatment by large retailers, rather than directly lowering grocery prices, notes Barlow. He believes the current government is misrepresenting the Code’s potential impact on reducing food prices, stressing that its primary goal is to ensure fair practices in the industry.
Biosecurity and disease prevention for foot and mouth, as well as the HPAI in dairy cattle — Barlow highlights the importance of robust biosecurity protocols to prevent animal-borne diseases. He says he is concerned about a possible lack of vaccine stockpile, emphasizing the need for better preparedness to protect the livestock industry. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been keeping MPs briefed on the HPAI (avian influenza) issue regularly.
Efforts to revive Bill C-234 — The bill that would have originally removed the carbon levy from propane and natural gas used on farms is back in the House after being heavily amended by the Senate. Barlow notes the loss of the Bloc support has hurt the bill’s momentum.
Watch/listen to the conversation between John Barlow and Shaun Haney in the video below. You can provide your perspective or ask further questions by emailing Shaun at [email protected].
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