Ben Lobb, Conservative Party of Canada candidate for Huron-Bruce in the 2021 Federal Election. (Submitted photo)Ben Lobb, Conservative Party of Canada candidate for Huron-Bruce in the 2021 Federal Election. (Submitted photo)
Midwestern

UPDATE: Huron-Bruce MP tables bill to give farmers some relief from carbon taxes

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb has tabled a private members' bill, C-234, to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act when it comes to qualifying farm fuel.

The legislation would exempt farmers from paying the tax on natural gas and propane used for farming operations.

Ben Lobb says the bill focuses on the production of food.

"Because of that principle, we'd love to have a bill to get rid of carbon tax for everybody at this time that would deal with your home heating bills and a number of different things," said Lobb. "But we wouldn't have the support of the house. On this topic we do."

The carbon tax will reach $170/tonne by 2030. For agriculture, the Grain Farmers of Ontario issued a release stating that would add $46 per acre in drying costs. That works out to a $36,000 increase in operational costs.

Lobb says farmers have dealt with unpredictable weather conditions and global trade wars, so this will be a much-needed relief and a necessary change for farmers and producers.

“Many farmers in Huron-Bruce and across Canada grow crops that must be dried in a grain dryer. Many raise livestock that must be kept warm through our country’s harsh winters. These activities are crucial to farmers’ ability to keep food on Canadian’s tables. They should not have to pay a carbon tax.”

Lobb also points to the number of things the agriculture community does for the environment and doesn't get economic credit for.

"Farmers currently aren't receiving any benefit for the environmental sequestration of carbon that they provide. In the form of their woodlot, in form of their field crops, in the form of their cover crops," added Lobb.

As for the time line for the proposed bill, Lobb says it may take up to a parliamentary calendar year to get the bill to the senate and possibly have a vote. That would work out to early next year.

--with files from Steve Sabourin

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