(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday November 19, 2019

Nov 19, 2019 | 9:03 AM

Contract talks are continuing, but about 3,200 CN Rail workers walked off the job at midnight to back demands for better working conditions and shorter hours.

The union representing conductors, trainpersons and yard workers want the company to address safety and scheduling issues.

C-N said it continues to negotiate in good faith and has offered binding arbitration to ensure train services aren’t disrupted.

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Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions immediately urged the federal government to intervene in the CN Rail strike.

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The commissions want the current Minister of Labour Patty Hajdu, and current Minister of Transport Marc Garneau to take whatever steps are necessary.

The commissions said rail delays will ultimately delay exports to Canada’s global markets, causing further market uncertainty for farmers and damaging the nation’s reputation as a reliable supplier of grain.

Many farmers are still facing devastating harvest conditions and poor prices. A disruption in service would compound an already difficult situation causing severe economic consequences for farmers.

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The Do More Agriculture Foundation has moved from a non-profit organization to a registered charity.

Board Chair Himanshu Singh said by becoming a Canada Revenue Agency registered charity the group is now able to approach additional funding sources. The vision has been to have an endowment fund that would supplement the financial support received from its current partners.

The Do More Ag Foundation began after a series of tweets brought together a group of individuals who wanted to champion the mental wellbeing of all producers.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF