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August 11th, 2022

NDP climate bill gaining support, while the Liberals have been slow to act

OTTAWA – The climate crisis has already devastated communities, people and livelihoods. The increase in extreme weather events and soil contamination is only worsening food insecurity. Yesterday, NDP Agriculture and Food Critic Alistair MacGregor’s private members' bill to protect soil was endorsed by the Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) – which represents more than 190,000 businesses and hundreds of thousands of farmers.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture and, by trapping carbon, is a key part of fighting the climate crisis. Without it, farmers struggle to keep up with food demands, and the entire agriculture industry in Canada would collapse – leaving families hungry and unable to afford costs,” said MacGregor. “Canadians depend on our ability to produce good food to keep themselves, their families and the environment healthy – it’s time we start doing more to protect it.”

MacGregor’s bill will require the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to develop a national strategy to promote efforts across Canada to conserve and improve soil health.

Instead of fighting the climate emergency, the Liberal government has continued to give billions of dollars to the oil and gas sector each year and has delayed emission targets. Now is the time to step up and protect our soil, but people are worried given the Liberals’ bad track record.

“Soil health is critical to the economic and environmental sustainability of Canadian agriculture, farmers and ranchers. We believe this bill will help draw attention to this important policy area and allow government, industry, farm groups and academics to work together in devising a strategy to protect and enhance Canada’s soil health. We look forward to working with MP MacGregor to support and move this legislation forward,” said Co-Chair of ACA, Dave Carey.

“New Democrats know that to protect families and Canada’s future, we need to make sure that we are able to produce good food and a healthy environment," said MacGregor. "We are urging all members of parliament to support this bill – ensuring the safety of our agriculture industry.”