QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Exemption from Carbon Tax for Agricultural Producers
February 18, 2020
Honourable senators, the Trudeau government’s former Saskatchewan cabinet minister Ralph Goodale promised last spring that farms and agricultural operations would be completely exempt from carbon tax for normal farming operations, yet the Trudeau government charged farmers thousands of dollars in carbon tax on fuel to run their grain dryers and then charged them GST on top of that carbon tax.
Senator Gold, my dad sold grain dryers to Saskatchewan farmers for almost 40 years. I can assure you that grain drying is not only a normal farming operation, but it is absolutely essential for the harvest from hell that Saskatchewan has just endured. When will this Trudeau government live up to its promises and exempt farmers completely from this punishing carbon tax?
Thank you for your question. The government is very aware of the impact that carbon pricing has on different sectors of the economy and particularly on farmers. Although the government remains committed to the view that putting a price on pollution, carbon tax, is the best way forward, it is listening and listening carefully to the concerns of those who are affected particularly strongly by it, including the farming community. The government understands the challenges facing the farming community, including the difficulties — and perhaps that’s understating it — of last year’s harvest, exacerbated by other challenges in the market and otherwise. I have been advised that the government is committed to finding practical solutions to the issues farmers face and that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change is working closely with the Minister of Agriculture in an effort to find solutions.
Senator Gold, the current Liberal Agriculture Minister claims she needs more evidence to prove the carbon tax is adversely impacting farmers. Well, Senator Gold, here is some evidence you can take to Minister Bibeau. Farmer Kenton Possberg of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, sent me a copy of his fuel bill from last October. In that one single month, he paid $2,980 in just carbon tax and GST alone for his grain drying. The tiny annual carbon tax rebate does not even begin to scratch the surface of a massive bill like that. This issue has been raised numerous times at all levels of government. Premier Moe addressed this issue directly with Prime Minister Trudeau months ago. Farmers have given this government all the evidence it needs. It’s time for a little less conversation and a little more action. When will your government finally deliver relief from this oppressive carbon tax?
Again, thank you for your question. The government is committed to its carbon tax policy, but it is equally committed to finding ways to mitigate the effects where appropriate. The government will continue to work with farmers, listen to evidence and continue to seek the best possible policy alternatives and solutions for the benefit of Canadian farmers and for Canada generally.
