Submissions

The last few years have been challenging for potato growers in Canada, following the restrictions on PEI potato exports to the USA in 2021. Although this decision has been revoked and exports have resumed, these decisions have caused irrevocable harm to the “PEI potato” brand and seed exports from PEI to other Canadian provinces is still prohibited. CFA further recommends that CFIA collaborates with the potato growers’ organizations on the development of compensation regulations that include loss of future potato revenue and devaluation of farmland due to declassification of farmland.

At a high level, these comments recommended:

– Eliminating protectionist measure and non-tariff trade barriers that limit market access for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
– Developing new measures so that imported products have the same standards and safety measures as domestic products.
– Remaining committed to not granting new market access to supply-managed products.
– Have Global Affairs Canada (GAC) adopt a transparent approach as it moves through the next steps of the process.

It is important for young people to learn about the environment, their place in it, and how their actions, individually and collectively, impact it. However, CFA believes it is also crucial for them to learn about how Canadian farmers are leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, about how Canadian farmers are spearheading the solutions instead of being part of the problem when it comes to environmental sustainability.

We need to ensure that the proposed personal income tax measures announced in Budget 2024 do not jeopardize the transfer of assets from one generation of farmer to another, but rather encourage the next generation of farmers to take up the calling, drive much needed rural economic activity and help the agriculture sector reach its growth potential.

It is crucial that supply chains continue to operate throughout the collective bargaining process. Not only does a prolonged work stoppage threaten our international reputation, but places upward pressure on inflation and the cost of consumer goods thereby threatening our national food security.

CFA submitted comments on the impacts of a potential rail strike, noting that it would negatively impact farmer finances, Canada’s reputation as a dependable trade partner and that farmers cannot afford the uncertainty caused by a rail strike.

We request that the Government of Canada oppose the adoption of any indicator that is based on use, as it would contradict the agreed text of Target 7 at COP 15. In addition, during these negotiations we ask the Government of Canada to focus on the development of indicators that will better address the issue of pesticide pollution risk reduction.

CFA welcomes the development of this framework for pesticide water monitoring programs in Canada and supports the development of these programs.

The submission outlined the many concerns that CFA membership had over these proposed codes, as well as recommendations on how to formulate them with agriculture building in mind, including providing exemptions.

We recommend that the employer’s ability to re-assign existing non-unionized workers within a company, including management staff, be maintained when necessary to maintain Canada’s domestic food and feed supply. Our hope would be that management could still provide critical functions during such stoppages to allow the flow of agricultural goods.

The CFA has repeatedly called on the Government of Canada to ensure that the PMRA is appropriately resourced and supports measures to improve its core activities, fuel its Transformation Agenda, and reduce the backlog in product review and re-evaluation. However, the CFA wishes to express concern over the rate of the increase in the modernization of fees for pest control products, especially taking into account that this is the first of two phases, the second phase being planned for 2028 and would entail further increases.

If the Bill is to proceed, the following specific amendments to the Bill are necessary to avoid any unintended consequences for Canadian producers.

– Recommendation #1: That Section 4(2) (I) be removed to allow the Advisory Committee theflexibility to undertake its mandate and to focus its attention on pandemic prevention andpreparedness. Specifically, our concerns relate to the use of the words “regulate” and “phase out.” It is recommended this wording be removed or changed to consistently use “assess” or “summarize.”

– Recommendation #2: That the Bill include language that encourages continued support andenforcement of existing biosecurity initiatives, including industry-led initiatives.

– Recommendation #3: That the reference to “high-risk species” in Section 4 (2) (I). iv. be clearly defined.