The federal government needs to come to the table with a financial support program for canola producers the same way it did for dairy farmers during CUSMA negotiations.
That’s the message Heather Sweet, the Alberta NDP’s ag critic, conveyed in an Oct. 16 letter to Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay.
Canada conceded close to 4 per cent of its dairy market during CUSMA negotiations.
To support the dairy sector, Canada introduced the Dairy Direct Payment Program, which would see farmers receive $1.2 billion over six years beginning in Fall 2023.
“The Alberta NDP Official opposition is asking for a similar compensation model to be developed for canola producers," Sweet's letter says.