Agriculture issues focus of Thursday night election debate

Sep 8, 2021 | 10:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Farmers, ranchers and those involved in the agriculture sector will have an opportunity to learn more about where the federal parties stand on key issues.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) will host the agriculture minister as will agriculture critics and representatives including Marie-Claude Bibeau with the Liberal Party of Canada, New Democratic Party MP Alistair MacGregor, Conservative Party Critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food Dave Epp, and Bloc Quebecois MP Yves Perron.

CFA Vice President, Keith Curry, said it’s important to gather all the parties together to make sure that they understand the importance of agriculture, and to find out their positions on various aspects of the industry.

The debate will focus on three pillars starting with the environment and climate change.

“Climate change is affecting us all. As farmers and ranchers in this country we actually have a positive role to play,” Curry told farmnewsNOW. “We’re looking for a partnership role with the next government that’s formed on how we can move forward.”

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Curry said research plays a major role in agriculture. He said the federal parties need to explain what investments they are prepared to make.

The third topic will be creation of the next policy framework for agriculture which comes into affect in 2023.

Curry said the debate is important as nearly one in eight people in this country work in the agrifood industry.

“Agriculture is a common thread from coast to coast to coast here in Canada and has a large influence and impact on our economy,” he said. “The fact that we’re self sustainable and are exporting food, we’re a big part of the economy of this country.”

The debate will be available for viewing through the CFA website Thursday September 9, starting at 7 p.m. EDT. or 5 p.m. MTN.

by Alice McFarlane