Commentary

Bill 66: Are Natural Resource Protections “Red Tape”?

January 18, 2019 | By Josh Kraemer

The government has introduced Bill 66 in order to reduce “red tape.” While it is hard to argue with effectively removing unnecessary reporting and compliance measures, the kind of red tape that is to be removed with schedule 10 of the Bill, has sparked much controversy.

Funding Farmer Mental Health

January 11, 2019 | By Marie Versteeg

Research conducted in 2016 by University of Guelph professor Andria Jones-Bitton demonstrates that Canadian farmers experience much higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than the general population. Roundtable participants, which included the CFFO, offered a number of recommendations to address the issue.

New Year Reflections

January 4, 2019 | By Clarence Nywening

Last year we at the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario resolved to work with our government to improve farming practices, protect waterways and land, and serve the needs of those in our community by opening communication about farming practices. We have worked hard to make these wishes come true and have met with some success. This year we will continue to work on these resolutions as well as add a few more.

Year’s Closing

December 28, 2018 | By Clarence Nywening

2018 has been an eventful year. There was a stir in provincial politics when the Liberal Party lost power, and the Progressive Conservative Party took their place. Premiere Doug Ford has taken on his role with gusto, and we now wait to see what changes he will make in our government.

The Season of Joy

December 21, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

If the old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” is true, we must be having loads of fun. The year 2018 is almost part of history but it seems it just started. When we look back over the last 50 weeks or so, a lot has happened but not always by having fun.

Expect Rising Food Prices Next Year

December 14, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

The recent Canada’s Food Price Report, released annually by the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University, concluded that overall food prices in Canada could increase by 3.5 percent, or about $411 for every four-person household. Two important factors have been found to be driving the projected increase in food prices.

Planning for Growth in Ontario

December 7, 2018 | By Brenda Dyack

Last month, the Ontario Growth Secretariat of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing hosted a Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Planning Stakeholder Forum. The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario was represented at one of dozens of tables tasked with providing concrete solutions to the challenges related to implementing the Growth Plan.

The Need for Big Conversation

November 30, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

Change in agriculture has been significant over the last three decades, and it continues as technology introduces new concepts and changes the way equipment operates. However, there is another change that needs to be discussed, and that is the change in ownership of many of Ontario’s farms.

Ontario’s “Plan for the People”

November 23, 2018 | By Brenda Dyack

To deal with what the PCs now estimate is a $15 billion structural deficit they say they are already cutting the deficit by finding $3.2 billion in efficiencies in operations, including a hiring freeze across the public service except for front line and essential services.

Embracing change

November 16, 2018 | By Peter Peeters

We are constantly surrounded by change and the world around us is evolving. Canadian agriculture is facing unprecedented changes as a result of trade negotiations, technology, and land use priorities as a result of new crops, including cannabis. We will need to ride the wave of change or face drowning.