More than a century after its creation, there is no visible sign remaining of the File Hills Farm Colony in southern Saskatchewan. But the painful memories of an experiment that epitomized the culture of assimilation permeating that era’s attitudes towards Canada’s Indigenous peoples still live in the collective memories of residential school survivors. Likewise for some of the racist attitudes and policies that still exist today.
Reconciling the painful past creates hope for a more promising future
The File Hills Colony near Balcarres, Sask. epitomized everything that was wrong about colonial attitudes towards Indigenous peoples. But new models for Indigenous agriculture are emerging
Carbon border adjustments pending
Policy was first mentioned in the 2020 climate plan, and it now it seems it will be a reality
Carbon border adjustments are coming to Canada. It is just a matter of when. Ten days before calling the election, the Liberal government announced consultations would officially begin on border carbon adjustments (BCAs). A policy paper detailing the policy was included. BCAs aim to reduce the so-called “carbon leakage” that occurs when a company leaves […] Read more
Opinion: Conference shows opportunities available to participate in reconciliation
The combined enthusiasm of First Nations for agriculture, mixed with added interest from government and industry, is creating exciting opportunities despite the barriers. That enthusiasm was on display during FHQ Development’s two-day, Indigenous Agricultural Innovation Conference held virtually in September. Attendees heard from a diverse set of speakers, including Melissa Arcand, an associate professor in […] Read more
First Nations land a ‘big opportunity’ for Indigenous agriculture
Experts in financing have projected growth within First Nations agriculture
As the federal government continues to settle land claims with First Nations, the territory acquired is expected to become a big opportunity for Indigenous agriculture in Canada. Speaking at the Indigenous Agricultural Innovation Conference, held Sept. 21-22 and hosted by the File Hills Development Corp., experts in financing projected growth within First Nations agriculture. The […] Read more
Opinion: Extra attention to food doesn’t make it an election issue
Agriculture has received little mention in the general election campaign
As COVID-19 emerged, Canadians paid more attention to where their food was coming from. For some city dwellers, it was the first time they experienced a grocery store lacking supplies. But while food security may have received attention during the early days of the pandemic, any momentum to translate those sentiments into wins for agriculture […] Read more
Agriculture unlikely to get much election focus
Conservatives to continue dominance of rural ridings
Agriculture is not expected to feature heavily in political debates held in advance of Canada’s Sept. 20 federal vote. Since taking office in 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has had plenty of opportunity to demonstrate to farmers that his version of the Liberal party can work for them. He has failed to convince farmers, however, […] Read more
Federal support for farmers focus of ag leaders’ debate
AgriStability, carbon levy exemptions, supply management among topics
An agricultural debate ahead of the federal election gave representatives from political parties an opportunity to pitch their ideas to producers, resulting in debate over how best to support farmers. Thursday evening’s debate, hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, had plenty of discussion about climate change and how best to support producers in a […] Read more
Opinion: Drought-prompted AgriStability changes not a sign of continued co-operation
A drought forced the federal and western Canadian governments to reach an agreement on AgriStability but is it a sign of what’s to come? Near the start of August, the two governments agreed to allow Saskatchewan producers early access to the 2021 payments to which they are entitled. The two ministers of agriculture involved, Marie-Claude […] Read more
Industry-led Code of Conduct for retailers on horizon
Provincial agriculture ministers encourage industry collaboration to find solution
A report from the federal-provincial working group says the retail sector has levied an increasing number of fees on suppliers, and is proposing the formation of a code of conduct as a potential solution. Canada’s agriculture ministers are now calling on industry to lead the process. They formed the working group to study the issue […] Read more
Dairy groups call for provinces to oversee grocery code of conduct
Retailer demands are raising costs for consumers and making some suppliers uncompetitive
Canada’s dairy industry is asking for provinces to oversee a code of practice for grocery retailers. In a letter to federal ministers, leaders from dairy groups say the “best solution” to “arbitrary fees and deductions” would be through “the development of provincial codes that are legislated, mandatory and enforceable.” Why it matters: Fees charged to […] Read more
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