Cattle in feedlot - LNN

By Dori Modney with files from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association

Agriculture producers urged to engage federal election candidates

Oct 2, 2019 | 5:34 PM

CALGARY — The federal election on October 21 is now less than three weeks away and the Senior Manager of Government and International Affairs with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), is urging producers to be at the political forums or contact candidates to ask them questions.

Fawn Jackson says they are encouraging beef producers and agriculture producers of all kinds, to speak with the candidates in their ridings to let them know how important he beef industry is within that riding but also in Canada.

“That certainly makes our job easier in Ottawa, when talking about policy with a member of Parliament or perhaps a staff member, as it provides some context – has a person, has a face to the industry – so absolutely we encourage agriculture producers across Canada to get out and talk to their candidates.”

When asked what producers might ask their candidates, Jackson says one thing stands out.

” I think a great question to start out with is just – do they know about the beef industry in Canada?”. We’re Canada’s largest agriculture sector, contributing $17-Billion to the GDP, so making sure that they know what we contribute to the Canadian economy, to Canadian jobs, and to the economy within in their riding.”

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Jackson refers to some other specific questions that could be asked which are important to the industry:

“They might be interested in talking about trade or business management programs they may have used on their farm. One of the great things, I think, about getting producers and members of parliament connected, is that those personal stories go a very long way in being able to communicate just how impactful the policies they make in Ottawa are.”

Examples of questions taken from the CCA’s Election Survey include:

1. What is your Party’s view of the economic and cultural significance of the beef cattle sector in Canada?

2. Does your Party support the sustainable expansion of the Canadian beef herd as part of growing Canada’s food industry?

3. How will your Party increase market access and boost Canada’s agri-food exports into the Asian marketplace.