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By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Relief urgently needed for B.C. farmers

Nov 16, 2023 | 10:30 AM

TIME AND TIME AGAIN, our BC United Caucus has voiced our concerns for British Columbians grappling with the challenges of the ongoing affordability crisis. Under the NDP, middle-class families continue to feel the squeeze. The added stress has been particularly felt by our farmers and ranchers who continue to bear the weight of added costs and failed policies.

Family-run farms that have operated for generations are now faced with the harsh reality that it may no longer be possible to keep their farms profitable. Treasured family legacies may be forced to come to a close, leaving our agricultural sector in limbo, with fewer farms in our province than ever before.

The cost of hay continues to rise, adding to the affordability and availability crisis, and jeopardizing B.C.’s food security. British Columbia is unique in that our farms have to compete globally with countries such as the U.S., Mexico, and several located in Central and South America. B.C. farmers are expected to compete with these global forces with a long history in agriculture, yet they are not on even playing fields.

Our climate means that most farms may only produce one crop each year. The escalating frequency of droughts and wildfires further compounds the already challenging situation, causing numerous crops to fail and prompting farmers to question the viability of future growing seasons.

Our farmers are facing the highest land costs and skyrocketing taxation. They continue to be resilient in the face of these challenges and we all owe them our gratitude for their continued dedication to supplying food for our province. They deserve a government that will assist them in lowering everyday costs so that they can continue their family legacy and support British Columbians.

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That’s why Kevin Falcon and our BC United Caucus have announced our common sense tax reform policy, which will put more money back into your pockets. In our recent announcement, we outlined key measures such as the removal of the carbon tax on on-farm fuel use and the permanent elimination of the provincial fuel tax. These changes would result in substantial savings for drivers (up to 15 cents per litre on gasoline and diesel) and also contribute to reduced operational costs for farmers.

Eliminating the carbon tax for on-farm fuel use will drive down the costs of operating a farm, making it more sustainable. Lowering production costs will in turn result in lower food costs, helping families to put food on their tables.

Life has never been more unaffordable in B.C. but there are steps that the government could implement that would make these added costs easier to manage. David Eby’s NDP government refuses to acknowledge its ability to drive costs down, instead pinning the blame on global inflation. People across Canada are bearing the weight of unaffordability, but families in B.C. are being hit even harder. To make life more affordable for people, we have to make it less expensive — it’s that simple.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.