Voice Of Saskatchewan Farmers Heard Across Canada

Yorkton –Approximately 150 agriculture producers attended Agriculture Forum 2002 sponsored by Garry Breitkreuz, MP for Yorkton-Melville, on January 15. The forum was held to provide producers with information on issues that are before Parliament and get their views on them so that Breitkreuz can more effectively represent them as their Member of Parliament. The broadcast of the forum across Canada should ensure that the farmers’ voice is heard.

The main topics discussed were: the impact of Bill C-15B (Cruelty to Animals) on agriculture, the proposed Species at Risk Act, land cover initiatives, and genetically engineered crops. Speakers at the forum included: Peggy Strankman (Canadian Cattleman’s Association), Lorne Scott (Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation), Terry Hildebrandt (Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan), and Art Walde (Western Barley Growers Association). Ducks Unlimited and Monsanto were invited to make presentations at the forum but did not attend.

However, during the question and answer sessions many other issues were raised especially when the opportunity was given to discuss any issue on the minds of those in attendance.

“All of the issues discussed provided for lively and enlightening debate. The comments made will be very useful during the upcoming Parliamentary session, and will help me be a better representative of my constituents, “ commented Breitkreuz.

The issue of unregulated hunting and fishing was discussed several times during the day. Grain transportation, the use of producer cars and the use of abandoned sidings and rail lines also created interest. The pros and cons of large hog operations were also expressed. As with virtually every issue both sides were heard at the forum.

Many farmers expressed the view that they as producers don’t have enough say into the regulations that are imposed by government. Many criticized the fact that, even though there are three levels of government in Canada, the municipal level of government has very little authority.

“This event was not only a place where farmers could come and get information on issues that affect them, they could also have their voice heard across Canada since Agriculture Forum 2002 will be broadcast coast to coast on cable television. The forum gave producers a golden opportunity to speak to the entire country,” said Breitkreuz.

Breitkreuz said he was particularly pleased with the positive nature of the forum and the good suggestions made to government and summed up the day by making a few comments:

Large corporations are not the entities that have the most influence on government; it’s the huge multi-national environmental groups.
Incentives for preserving wildlife and its habitat are much more effective than using the present approach of regulation and punishment.
We must reward farmers for helping reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and enhancing wildlife populations.
We also need more research into the affect of genetic modification on human health so that our laws are based on sound science.

“We had some very helpful suggestions coming forward, which added to the positive tone of the conference. I do want to stress that what happens in Ottawa has a tremendous affect on what producers do on the farm. Government policy probably has more of an influence on their bottom line than the weather,” said Breitkreuz.

Breitkreuz concluded by emphasizing that, “Farmers need a stronger voice in Ottawa and that was the purpose of this forum. The depressed farm income situation is still the greatest concern but environmental issues can potentially have a great impact on their operations either positively or negatively. This forum gave farmers a look at the issues before Parliament, and an opportunity to have their voices heard there. My hope is that government is listening to them.”

Breitkreuz also distributed a questionnaire to all producers who attended the forum, as a way of gauging opinion on several issues. The results will be released at a later date.

“Remember, democracy belongs to those who stand up and speak out. I thank all of those who participated,” said Breitkreuz.

You can watch the forum at these dates and times on CPAC. (All times local)

Tuesday, January 22 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 23 – 1:00 am to 4:00 am

Thursday, January 24 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Saturday, January 26 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Sunday, January 27 – 4:00 am to 7:00 am

CPAC, Canada’s political channel can be found on the following cable and satellite channels:

Channel 58 – Access Communications (Yorkton)

Channel 13 – Access Communications (Melville, Esterhazy)

Channel 40 – Access Communications (Canora, Kamsack)

Channel 23 – Access Communications (Bredenbury, Theodore, Springside, Saltcoats, Churchbridge,

Norquay)

Channel 69 – Access Communications (Estevan, Weyburn)

Channel 42 – Access Communications (Regina, White City, Emerald Park)

Channel 27 – Image Wireless

Channel 396 – StarChoice

Channel 510 – Bell ExpressVu

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