Ian Boxall. (submitted photo/APAS)

By Alice McFarlane

PSAC Strike

Federal strike creates uncertainty for producers heading into spring seeding

Apr 25, 2023 | 11:43 AM

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) wants a quick resolution to the federal civil strike.

APAS wants both the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) to reach a mutual agreement quickly to avoid further supply-chain disruptions.

APAS President Ian Boxall said a letter was recently sent to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau to lay out the concerns over the strike.

He said the group is particularly worried about restricted grain movement resulting from disruptions to the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) outward inspection and certification programs for grain exports.

“Our supply chain has not fully recovered from the impacts of COVID-19, and a prolonged labour disruption impacting exports will be a major blow to producers,” Boxall said. “Delayed inspections will cause backlogs at ports. Every day a ship must wait means demurrage charges to grain companies, and these costs always make their way to the farmer.”

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Boxall also noted that several agriculture programs require income tax filings to determine eligibility.

“Timely processing of income tax returns will be impacted,” he said. “There is growing uncertainty if the cash advance program will be affected.”

Boxall said producers are nearing spring seeding season and both parties in the dispute need to find a solution to minimize disruption and uncertainty for producers.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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