By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis has introduced The Canada Farmland Protection Act.
The proposed legislation is aimed at establishing a national framework for the conservation of Canadian farmland.
“Our farmland is a precious resource that we cannot afford to lose,” said Louis. “The Canada Farmland Protection Act is as much about preserving a way of life as it is about protecting land. This legislation is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of our farmers. By working together with local stakeholders, we can create policies that support our farmers and protect our farmland for generations to come."
The proposal includes the development of a comprehensive national framework to promote the conservation of farmland across Canada through support for farmland trusts, harmonization of practices, policies for land transfers, incentives for conservation and research and data enhancement.
Consultations will take place over the coming months to gather input from farmers, industry experts and local communities. Louis encourages those interested in contributing to reach out and participate in shaping this important initiative.
“The goal of The Canada Farmland Protection Act is to create a legislative tool for farms to protect their land for future generations,” said Louis. “As the stewards of our agricultural land, farmers deserve unwavering support. I am committed to standing with them as they deliver the high-quality food that feeds our nation and the world."
Louis explained he has been working on the proposed legislation for several months and it comes out of his experience on a federal-government group.
“As a member of the agriculture committee for the last five or six years, I’ve got good relationships with national stakeholders as well as local. Whether it’s local stories or from across the county, there is a need to protect farmland.”
He added the legislation, if passed, will establish a national framework for farmland conservation.
“And also give them the options on how they want to transfer their land if they want to put it into trust, to make sure the farmers themselves have a say in what happens to their own farmland which they have worked so hard on.”
Louis said the provinces would need to get together to harmonize policies and practices for conservation and support for farmland trusts.
“There are ways we can incentivize the good work farmers do, and they should be rewarded for that. These are all things I have heard being in committee for years and I am at that consultation phase. What I don’t want to do is say here, I have written this and this is the way it is. I want feedback from farmers to make sure they are helping to shape this.”
Louis will eventually travel across the county to hold in-person consultations. Written submissions will also be accepted to create what he called a blueprint for cooperation.
“I also know the local organizations in the riding, so I will be talking to them. There will be agricultural, environmental and even conservation stakeholders at the table as they are all working together. Those conversations will help finish the legislation.”
He added the work he has done so far on the bill is non-partisan.
“I am working across party lines right now with Senator Rod Black. The two of us have also successfully lobbied for the protection of other farmlands in Ontario. This is about our food sovereignty, about protecting Canadian farmers and Canadian farmland. I am encouraging people to reach out.”
The Gazette asked Louis if the proposed legislation, at least in part, came out of the Wilmot Township land-acquisition plan spearheaded by the Region of Waterloo. He said the issue is a perfect example of why the legislation is necessary.
“Right here in Wilmot has shown where the conversations need to be stronger. What I have heard from countless constituents is no one, me included, is against growth and development. We are a fast-growing region, but we have to do it in a responsible and transparent way. Wilmot has played a part in shaping this legislation.”
He explained interprovincial cooperation will be key in hashing out a law that works for all Canadians.
“At the end of the day, it’s provinces that decide land assembly and that’s where I can help by bringing those best practices to light and have them work on a national framework.”
A new Liberal leader has been chosen and a federal election could be called in the very near future. Louis said while the legislation might not be tabled as quickly as he hoped, the work would continue.
“It is my hope to work as fast as possible on it, and then after an election, should I be re-elected, I can continue the process. There is never a bad time to start. Now is the right time to do the right thing by doing the work regardless of the fact there will be an election between April and October.”
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