Senate rejects amendments to Bill C-234

Nov 08, 2023

It was a key vote in the Senate on Tuesday as the majority of Senators voted no to the proposed amendments to Bill C-234.

The amendments would have removed the provisions in the bill allowing for the exemption for barn and greenhouse heating.

The Senate voted to hold the third reading of the bill the next time it sits.

According to the Senate website, they are set to return today (Wednesday).

In a press release, late yesterday the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) Executive Director Kyle Larkin was clearly pleased with the outcome of the vote.

"The rejected amendment would have denied financial relief to tens of thousands of hardworking livestock, greenhouse growers, and farmers, placing undue pressure on their livelihoods and our food security."

Larkin emphasizes the sector's shared technical constraints and the absence of viable alternatives, saying, “Current innovations come at a high cost, and carbon pricing on essential farm practices diverts funds from these crucial investments."

He says to enhance outcomes, we must empower farmers by returning capital to them, enabling investments in operational efficiencies.

The GGC is urging Senators to pass this legislation at third reading saying that Canadian farmers have waited too long, and further delays risk withholding essential support they urgently need.

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.