MOOSE JAW — The following letter has been submitted by NDP candidate Britt Baumann:
"Dear Canadian Grain Farmers,
I have received many letters asking how the NDP will protect Saskatchewan farmers in the face of Trump’s irrational trade war. The economic uncertainty associated with the threatened Trump tariffs is utmost on my mind. I share your concerns about grain farming in Canada. Donald Trump, and China, have threatened Saskatchewan grain farmers. Absolutely, we must use all tools available to preserve tariff-free access through CUSMA and resolve conflicts with China. I agree that family farms must be permanently exempt from any carbon tax on farm activities and would vote for legislation that guarantees such. I am additionally of the opinion that your family farms passed down to your children should be exempt from any inheritance or capital gains tax.
If you send me to Ottawa, I will fight to protect the family farms and farmers of Saskatchewan. The NDP platform has a plan to assist Saskatchewan farmers. We will fight to:
- Diversify our markets. We can’t rely on Trump to act rationally, so we must build new trade relationships that do not rely on selling most of our products to the United States.
- Improve infrastructure to ensure our products can get to additional markets. For example, we could expand capacity at the Port of Churchill.
- Adopt a pan-Canadian food strategy. Let’s connect Canadians from farm, to factory, to fork. Not only will we improve our national food security, but this will develop a sustainable food industry within Canada.
- Ensure the federal government must collaborate WITH FARMERS to design a climate change plan that works FOR Farmers.
- Invest in plant-breeding and other agricultural research that will support innovation and be of direct economic benefit to farmers.
- Invest in high-speed broadband and cellphone infrastructure that will connect farmers and rural communities to the technology, tools, and services they need.
- Ensure the government responds to the unique challenges faced by new and young farmers. Family farms must have supports for succession planning.
I know that food is at the heart of our homes, our communities, and our families. These constant threats from the United States must be addressed. Importantly, this is an opportunity for Canada to make new trade relationships and invest in a national farming infrastructure that will better serve Canadians.
Regards,
Britt Baumann
NDP Candidate for Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan"
