Bill C-234 represents the relief our sector needs, say Canada’s grain farmers

Ottawa, Ontario – On behalf of Canada’s grain farmers, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to commend MP Ben Lobb for bringing forward Bill C-234 and ask that all members of Parliament move this important and much-needed piece of legislation forward in a timely manner.

“This is exactly the type of relief that our sector needs,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe from his farm in Alberta’s Peace Country. “By providing an exemption for on-farm fuel usage where no alternatives are available, we can maintain the competitiveness of our farmers while also freeing up the necessary resources to reinvest in our operations to ensure their long-term sustainability.”

Tabled today in the House of Commons, Bill C-234 will amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to expand the definition of eligible farming machinery and extend the exemption for qualifying farming fuel to marketable natural gas and propane.

A successful passage of this bill would result in grain farmers no longer being penalized for on-farm activities – such as grain drying – that are required to properly store and market our products and ensure a sustainable food supply for everyone.

“Our membership is committed to being part of the solution and helping lead the conversation when it comes to the environment and climate change,” added Harpe. “By moving forward with these practical amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, our farmer members will have the ability to redirect these crucial dollars towards practical initiatives to further lower emissions and sequester carbon.”

GGC will be working with Parliamentarians across all parties to ensure that this Bill moves forward through the legislative process in a timeline that reflects its urgency for Canadian farmers.