In this day and age of rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, it seems very odd that the Liberal Party’s platform committee chair opposes a biofuels industry in Canada.

It’s so strange, in fact, that I rose in the House of Commons on April 28 during Question Period to avoid any confusion with my own party’s biofuels policy. When I asked Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz if the government is still actively pursuing a biofuels industry, he assured all Canadians that we are on track.

My question to the minister was direct and on the record: “The Liberals are turning their backs on Canadian farmers and the biofuels industry. Two canola crushing plants are developing in my constituency and the resulting oil could be used to produce diesel fuel. Biofuels will help provide the boost our farmers need. Can the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food reassure Canadians that despite the Liberals’ latest flip-flop, the government still supports Canadian farmers and the biofuels industry?”

The minister’s response was loud and clear: “Mr. Speaker, it is amazing. One day the Liberals are calling for double our mandate on ethanol in gasoline. The next day, the member for Kings-Hants (Scott Brison, M.P.) says the Liberals are against biofuels altogether. On this side (of the House) we take a principled approach. Of our crop land, 95 percent of it continues to supply the world with nutritious food. That means only five percent is dedicated to ethanol. At the same time, we are investing $500 million in technologies that will use waste products to develop next-generation biofuels. We are getting the job done.”

This government believes it’s a job worth doing right. Minister Ritz has already announced the government’s $1.5 billion investment in biofuels production. What’s more, we have a 2010 target that requires Canadian transportation fuels to be comprised of five percent renewable fuel content. It is a logical choice to pursue alternative energy sources as the price of fossil fuels continue to rise.

While developing a biofuels industry in Saskatchewan will help farmers demand better crop prices, it will not cause onerous food price increases. The actual cost of wheat in a loaf of bread is less than a dime. I believe biofuels could prove to be a grand slam for this government by providing greater agricultural stability, lower fuel costs, a cleaner environment and robust research and development potential.

- 30 -

The audio version of Garry's May 5, 2008 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here