(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Monday December 16, 2019

Dec 16, 2019 | 9:03 AM

Farm customers can expect to pay an additional $60 on their power bills in 2020 due to a rise in the carbon tax.

Effective Jan. 1, the federal carbon tax that is applied to SaskPower’s fossil fuel emissions will increase from 20 dollars to 30 dollars per tonne.

SaskPower said the year-over-year cost increase for residential customers will be equal to 1.5 per cent, which will work out to an estimated $22 per year.

–

Mexico has objected to legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress as part of an eventual ratification of the trade pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

MLAs clash over foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farmland

Nov 10, 2025

Outstanding community members

'We all loved him': respected Prince Albert broadcaster passes away

Oct 09, 2025

Nearing the end of harvest

Meals in the field and hats in combines: a look into end of harvest traditions

Oct 09, 2025

The chief trade negotiator for North America said the legislation adds the designation of up to five U.S. labour attaches in Mexico who will monitor the implementation of labour reform.

Jesus Seade said that was not part of the agreement signed Dec. 10 in Mexico City.

Seade called the designation of labour attaches unnecessary and the presence of foreign officials must be authorized by the host country.

–

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave his marching orders to his cabinet including instructions to the agriculture minister.

The letter to Marie-Claude Bibeau said the intention is to improve the federal government’s ability to respond to export protections against Canadian agriculture.

China blocked canola, beef and pork this year.

At the same time, International Trade Minister Mary Ng is being told to increase trade in places even where no agreement exists, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

–

Alberta’s wheat and barley commissions said the recent Canadian National Railway strike shows it is time to consider applying essential service provisions to rail service affecting grain movement.

The commissions said in a joint statement following the resolution of last month’s strike that significant damage was done to farmers as a result of the work stoppage.

Thirty-five grain ships were waiting at the Port of Vancouver to load grain by the end of the strike and some would eventually incur demurrage penalties which are ultimately charged back to farmers.

The groups also said Canada’s longshoremen are already prevented from engaging in strikes that would impact the loading of grain vessels and those same provisions should be extended to rail.

—

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF