Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is launching a campaign to engage grain farmers in the upcoming federal election.
“This election comes at a pivotal moment for grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, executive director of GGC in a Monday news release. “Farmers are facing mounting challenges, and this campaign gives them a direct way to engage with their local candidates and understand where political parties stand on key issues affecting their operations.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday, Mar. 23, that a federal general election would be held on April 28.
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“This election—and the decisions made in the years to come—will determine the future of Canadian grain farming. Political parties need to understand what’s at stake and commit to supporting our sector,” said GGC chair of trade Tara Sawyer.
One of the main features of the campaign is an online tool which allows farmers to easily send written statements to their local candidates.
GGC has also compiled a guide outlining some of key issues facing grain farmers this election cycle. This includes policy like the right to repair, reinstating extended interswitching, reversing the capital gains tax increase and supporting tariff-free access of grain products.
On March 21, Carney announced the government would cancel a planned hike of the capital gains inclusion rate.
The website also breaks down which of the parties support, oppose or have an unclear stance on the various issues. GGC said it will continue to update the page as they send out a questionnaire to the parties to clarify their stance on unclear issues.
