MP Philip Lawrence Introduces Private Members Bill Exempting Farmers from Liberal Carbon Tax

Pete Fisher
5 years ago
• Categories: Local

Press Release

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Philip Lawrence, Conservative Member of Parliament for Northumberland – Peterborough South, tabled in the House of Commons his Private Members Bill An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farming fuel).

This Bill will exempt qualifying farmers from paying the Liberal Carbon Tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and natural gas, saving them tens of thousands of dollars a year on necessary farming procedures.

“In recent years, farmers have faced unpredictable weather conditions, trade disruptions and global pricing instability, and to add insult to injury, the Liberal Carbon Tax is cutting farmers’ net income by over 12%. By changing a few words in the legislation, we can save our farmers millions of dollars,” said MP Philip Lawrence.

By reducing the tax burden on farmers, MP Lawrence hopes to promote sustainable farming, give farmers a break, and make our agricultural sector more globally competitive.

Quotes

“With farmers feeling the effects of global trade wars, diplomatic disputes, and challenging weather conditions, this added tax not only makes our producers less competitive, it further diminishes our margins. This legislative change is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of the family farm, and we sincerely hope this legislation will receive support from across Party lines.”

Grain Growers of Canada

“We’re glad to see concrete steps at the federal level that respond to the very clear message that all farmers have been sending. Farmers should be exempt from paying the additional charge on fuel used for drying grain and heating and cooling barns as they are requirements of their operations, and farmers generally don’t have access to economical alternative sources of energy. We are hopeful that the Liberal government will show their support for farmers by passing this bill.”

Keystone Agricultural Producers