SACPA to address aid for farmers
By Jensen, Randy on May 19, 2020.
Greg Bobinec
Lethbridge Herald
The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs will be hosting a session on their YouTube channel today discussing if governments are providing farmers with adequate aid during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected most Canadian business sectors, including farmers. Large financial help from governments, both federal and provincial, have been rolled out for many individuals and businesses since early April. Specific help for the food and farming sector was announced recently, with a small aid package that arguably does not prioritize the importance of help to the food supply chains, a SACPA release states.
Speaker Sylvian Charlebois has conducted research in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He has written four books and many peer-reviewed and scientific articles.
The speaker will argue that agricultural production, marketing and farm worker issues generally fly below the radar of governments, particularly at the federal level. He will further contend that from a food-security perspective, the stakes for Canada are very high. Canada typically loses five to seven per cent of its farms every year, and COVID-19 could double that loss this year if substantial financial aid is not forthcoming.
This SACPA public presentation and discussion will take place today at 11 a.m. on their YouTube Channel. To participate in the question-and-answer period, participants must have a valid YouTube account. For more information on this session and others, visit sacpa.ca.
Follow @GBobinecHerald on Twitter
11-10
