Activist Claim: Far-left national observer claims pro-resources groups defending Canadian farmers are “far-right” for criticizing fertilizer reduction plan
The Facts: Being pro-resource means being pro-Canada and supporting our responsible, energy efficient, and innovative resource production from oil and gas to agriculture.
The Source:
Investigation reveals Poilievre, populist and pro-natural gas groups spread fertilizer disinformation to whip up outrage against Trudeau
Here are some facts and sources to have a reasonable conversation about the fertilizer ban:
- Canada’s Natural Resources and Agriculture industries account for around 20% of Canada’s GDP.
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/canadas-agriculture-sectors/overview-canadas-agriculture-and-agri-food-sector
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220324/dq220324b-eng.htm - Farmers are already reducing emissions and using fertilizer more efficiently with the 4R program.
https://nutrientstewardship.org/4rs/4r-principles/ - According to a recent report, Canada could lose over 160 million metric tons of canola, corn, and spring wheat between 2023 and 2030 because of this plan.
https://financialpost.com/commodities/agriculture/trudeau-spars-with-farmers-on-climate-plan-risking-grain-output - An MNP report for Fertilizer Canada found that the fertilizer emissions reduction plan could cost nearly $48 billion to farmers over the next 8 years.
https://fertilizercanada.ca/news-events/news/new-report-warns-of-potential-for-48-billion-loss-in-farm-income-if-fertilizer-reductions-are-required-of-growers/ - Like any sector, regulations should allow for industry compliance and emissions reduction through innovation and private market solutions. It should enable the investment and incentives needed to ensure compliance and the continued growth and transformation of the industry whether it’s agriculture or oil and gas.
https://www.capp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Federal-Clean-FuelStandard- Risks-to-Economic-Recovery-and-Barriers-to-Environmental-Innovation375521.pdf
Stories that get it right
Apologies do not feed Indigenous people: Chris Sankey for Inside Policy
All too often, environmental activists use our communities and cultures as a foil against major resource and infrastructure projects. Our (Indigenous) people urgently need jobs, income, and local investment. Indigenous communities have considered the environmental and socio-cultural risks and benefits at length. A substantial majority (at least 65 percent by recent polls) are in favour of carefully developed resource projects that respect Indigenous and treaty rights and provide appropriate returns to the community.
