By Dr. Sylvain Charlebois With the SNC Lavalin debacle and the subsequent resignation of Liberal politicians, here’s the score so far: two cabinet ministers, one MP, two senior bureaucrats, including the Clerk of the Privy Council Office, and it’s probably not over. The SNC Lavalin case refuses to go away and has been garnering global... Read More

Starting September 1, Manitoba truck drivers will require mandatory entry-level training (MELT). That being said, farmers will get a one-year deferral for new training to allow for additional consultations with the industry. The government says the extension was granted in order to determine an appropriate phase-in strategy that mitigates impacts on the 2019 farming season.... Read More

As Nufarm plans to expand its growth throughout the Canadian crop protection market, the company announced Boyd Bergstrom will take on the role of country lead for Canada. Effective this month, Bergstrom took over the role from 30-year Nufarm veteran, Lachie McKinnon who will be returning to Australia. “Boyd is a proud prairie farm boy... Read More

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last visited Winnipeg, Man., about a month ago for a funding announcement. According to his updated itinerary, he'll be returning to the River City this week alongside Minister of International Trade Diversification, Jim Carr to meet with CEO and president of Richardson International, Curt Vossen. The meeting comes five days after... Read More

Many questions still remain around why Chinese authorities blocked all canola export shipments from Richardson International about two weeks ago. For quite some time, China has been a major importer of Canadian canola. China's imports account for roughly 4o per cent of of all Canadian exports of canola seed, oil, and meal. The Canola Council... Read More

Farm groups such as the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) have lobbied the government this past month to get cardlock fuel included in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) exemption and it looks like they're close to the finish line. In the release of the federal budget, the government announced it's looking into... Read More

Over the weekend, Members of Parliament held an emergency meeting to discuss the restriction of canola shipments from Richardson International to China. The news of the blocked shipments broke about two weeks ago, and China import officials say the revoked cargo was due to 'hazardous pests'. Brandon-Souris MP, Larry Maguire says other MPs wanted this... Read More

Dairy, egg, and poultry farmers will be compensated in this year's budget just revealed by Finance Minister, Bill Morneau. The compensation is for losses stemming from international trade agreements. The Liberal government has proposed up to $3.9 billion in "support" for supply-managed farmers. The funding follows the recent ratifications of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic... Read More

Canadian National (CN) Railway has announced it will be investing more than $245 million in Saskatchewan, through capital expenditures, hiring more train conductors, and purchasing high horsepower locomotives. CN employs roughly 1,300 people in the province, and its railroad route covers approximately 1,937 miles. “This year, CN is investing $35 million more than last year... Read More