Photo: Huron-Bruce Progressive Conservative MPP Lisa Thompson
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs is praising a proposed bill by the Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce.
Conservative MP Ben Lobb introduced a bill in the House of Commons last month, looking to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GHGPPA), exempting certain farming operations using natural gas and propane from the federal carbon tax.
MPP for Huron-Bruce — and Ontario Agriculture Minister — Lisa Thompson says the bill addresses an important part of the province’s economy.
“It’s addressing something that I can tell you that as Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Minister, I’m talking with my provincial colleagues about, as well,” Thompson says.
“We’re going to be taking our concerns and seeing if we can plan a path forward with the federal minister.”
Proposed exemptions in Lobb’s bill include grain drying and housing livestock, something a news release says, “is a crucial change, as these activities are not optional for farmers.”
Thompson says the federal carbon tax is prompting a rise in energy costs for farmers.
“I applaud Ben Lobb for coming forward… he’s shining the light on an issue that is a federal government initiative that is going to tremendously impact farmers across this country,” Thompson tells Country 104.9 News.