WESTERN PRODUCER — A private member's bill to exempt natural gas and propane from the carbon tax if used to dry grain has been reintroduced in the House of Commons.
Bill C-234, to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, picks up where C-206 left off in the last Parliament before the federal election.
The bill, introduced by Conservative MP Ben Lobb (Huron-Bruce), received first reading yesterday. It would also exempt fuel used to heat and cool barns and greenhouses, steam flaking and irrigation.
The Agriculture Carbon Alliance, which represents 14 farm organizations, welcomed the bill.
"This bill will provide economic relief for our members, freeing up the working capital they need to implement environmental innovations on farm," said co-chair Dave Carey.
Co-chair Scott Ross said policies that allow producers to remain competitive are critical.
"We look forward to engaging with parliamentarians and policymakers on the opportunities that Canadian agriculture can provide as both a driver of the economy and an environmental solutions provider," he said.
