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By Alice McFarlane

Federal Election 2019

Farm group reaction mixed on federal vote

Oct 22, 2019 | 4:15 PM

The Liberals have a minority government without winning a single seat in Alberta or Saskatchewan.

The chair of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (WCWGA) said that’s bad news for agriculture.

Jim Wickett said he’s worried about the impact on east-west relations.

“There should be some concern when you see the vote split the way it is. Eastern Canada doesn`t seem to value Western Canadian values, ethics or honesty. But they sure like our transfer payments. I think that’s an issue that’s going to rise to the forefront very shortly,” Wickett said.

There have been calls for the federal government to exempt the carbon tax from grain drying costs. Wickett said there has to be something to recognize the things farmers do for the environment.

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“Unlike politicians we do make our living from the environment. We farm drastically different then we did 30 years ago. It’s much better for the environment. We`re sequestering carbon at millions of tonnes a year and their is no credit for it, just more taxes and more ways to extract money from our pockets,” Wicket said.

Other farm groups have taken a softer tone.

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) congratulated Justin Trudeau on his election victory.

Chair Jeff Nielsen said he looks forward to working together to ensure federal decisions are made with Canadian farmers and their families in mind.

“Grain farmers appreciate Mr. Trudeau and his government’s recognition that the Canadian economy, as a whole, benefits from a strong agriculture sector,” Nielsen said in a news release. “We are eager to get down to work and ensure that our sector realizes its full growth potential.”

Nielsen said it’s a critical time for farmers and the industry. The Liberal platform pledged to increase federal support for programs that protect farmers from risks that are beyond their control.

“The Liberal government of the past four years had demonstrated measurable progress towards the growth of the agri-food sector,” Nielsen said. “Now, with a renewed mandate, GGC stands ready and willing to work with Mr. Trudeau’s government as they redouble their efforts to help farmers and the industry achieve long-term success.”

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) extended congratulations to the Liberal party.

DFC President Pierre Lampron said with a minority government it’s important to have support from all parties for dairy issues. During the campaign, the parties pledged to compensate dairy farmers for trade agreement-related losses.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with Prime Minister Trudeau’s new government as well as with all opposition parties, on behalf of dairy farmers from across the country, to ensure a thriving dairy sector today and for future generations of dairy farmers,” Lampron said.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF