Electoral candidates take on ag issues

Agriculture representatives from four of Manitoba’s political parties traded promises and verbal jabs over the education property tax, rural health care and water policy when they met at a Sept. 12 election forum.

The Winnipeg event was organized by the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters. Candidates answered questions provided by Manitoba ag groups and had 45 seconds to respond on each topic.

Why it matters: Candidates are counting down the last few weeks before the Oct. 3 provincial election.

Education property tax, a priority set by Keystone Agriculture Producers, was first on the list. KAP wants to see continued phase-out of the tax from farm property and the development of an equitable education funding model.