E-Newsletter: June 25, 2021

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP June 25, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Deadline to Apply for 2021 AgriStability Program is June 30 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program: • •

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Fields to Forks brings you an inside look at the industry that feeds us Fields to Forks is a multimedia-integrated campaign celebrating the agriculture industry - with MBP playing a prominent role.

Earlier this week, a CTV crew made the drive out to Steppler Farms Ltd. near Miami to meet the family and film the segment.

The campaign, produced by Bell Media, is scheduled to air on CTV Winnipeg (television), 103.1 Virgin Radio/Bounce 99.9FM/1290 Funny (radio), along with the various digital/social media channels during July and August.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Program educates youth about beef - The Western Producer Animal protein’s bad rap is affecting recruitment: global experts - Manitoba Co-operator

Education Property Tax Rebate Cheques Distributed To Manitoba Municipalities With June Tax Deadline (June 24, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government has completed mailing approximately 244,426 education property tax rebate cheques to owners of residential, farm and commercial properties in municipalities with a June 30, 2021 property tax deadline. Rebates valued at more than $146 million were sent to property owners in Winnipeg, Brandon and Dunnottar.

As part of the provincial government’s education property tax phase-out, property owners in municipalities across Manitoba will receive a cheque in the month property taxes are due, from June through December 2021.

Tax deadlines are determined by each municipality’s bylaws. Manitobans do not need to apply for the rebate as the province will calculate the amount and mail cheques before the municipal property tax due date.

The cities of Dauphin, Selkirk and Portage la Prairie are among the municipalities that have set tax due dates at the end of July, so rebate cheques will be sent to property owners in those areas before the end of next month.

Budget 2021: Protecting Manitobans, Advancing Manitoba committed to providing $248 million in education property tax rebates to the owners of approximately 658,000 eligible properties, based on municipal assessment information. In 2021, residential and farm property owners will receive a 25 per cent rebate, which will increase to 50 per cent in 2022. Other property owners will see a 10 per cent rebate this year. The average rebate will be an estimated $1,140 per property for 2021 and 2022.

Depending on the municipality, owners of multiple properties may receive one combined rebate cheque. Property owners with questions about property tax due dates are encouraged to contact their local municipal office.

An education property tax rebate calculator is now available online so property owners can calculate their 2021 rebate once they have received their 2021 property tax statement. To use the calculator or learn more about Manitoba’s education property tax rebate, visit www.manitoba.ca/edupropertytax.

Congrats to the grads!

COVID-19 Vaccine: Update on Eligibility to Book Second Dose Individuals who received their first dose on or before June 6 are eligible to book their second dose.

Manitobans must book their appointment based on the date of their first dose or other provincial eligibility criteria. For more information, visit manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose.

All people aged 12 and up are eligible to book their first-dose appointments. Individuals can book online at protectmb.ca or by calling (tollfree) 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222).

Appointments Parents or caregivers who have a booked Pfizer appointment can now transfer their appointment to their 12 to 17 year old child, through the provincial call centre. This is being done in response to delayed Pfizer shipments to Manitoba, since only this vaccine is currently approved for youth.

All supersites, except RBC Convention Centre, are now offering walk-in appointments. The number of walk-ins may vary by day and by site, but are approximately 10 per cent of all doses available. It is important to note that a limited number of walk-ins available on a daily basis. Sites will continue to prioritize first-dose immunizations for walk-ins when possible.

Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for second-dose AstraZeneca vaccinations. Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html to find a location with available doses.

Pop-up clinics have been scheduled throughout the province in June. Indigenous people can also attend an urban Indigenous clinic led by

community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie.

A complete listing and searchable map is available online at protectmb.ca. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MANVACC).

Additional Information To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine. Individuals who are fully vaccinated can now request a digital or physical immunization card. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/immuni zation-record.html#immunization-cards.

People who received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Manitoba should contact covidimmunizationrecordsinformation@g ov.mb.ca to update their immunization information. This email address can also be used to request other updates or corrections to a COVID-19 immunization. Individuals may also contact their local public health office with this information if needed.

Manitobans are reminded to fill out a second consent form for their second dose appointment.

To fill out and print the consent forms before your appointment, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/resour ces.html#forms.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protect mb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter. All data in this bulletin is current as of June 22 unless noted otherwise.

Manitoba Announces First Phase of Reopening Plan (June 23, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Manitoba will move ahead with the first milestone of its ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path one week early and open many businesses and facilities to 25 per cent capacity beginning on June 26th, Premier Brian Pallister and Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin announced today.

This week, Manitobans achieved and surpassed the first key vaccination benchmarks set out under the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, with over 71 per cent of eligible Manitobans at least partially immunized and more than 27 per cent having received both doses. Together with declining COVID-19 cases, test positivity and hospitalization rates, Manitobans are now able to begin to enjoy more freedoms and fewer public health restrictions.

“Manitobans have earned an earlier reopening,” said Pallister. “Together, we have beat back the third wave and have booked first and second dose vaccinations in record numbers. After nearly a year and half fighting COVID-19, it is time for Manitobans to regain their freedoms and enjoy a summer we all want, and have rightfully earned.”

Manitobans who are fully immunized (two vaccine doses plus two weeks from the time of their second dose) will now benefit from the following exemptions: · visit loved ones in personal care homes or hospitals; · participate in social or communal activities, if you are a resident of a personal care home or congregate living facility; · travel domestically for essential and nonessential purposes outside of Manitoba without the requirement to self-isolate on their return;

and, · dine indoors at restaurants and bars with other fully immunized friends and family from outside your household.

Large-scale, outdoor professional sports or performing arts events may also allow fully immunized Manitobans to attend, subject to approval by Manitoba Public Health. The province will work with sports and arts organization to implement proof of vaccination protocols for these events.

Additional benefits for fully immunized Manitobans will be announced in July, including increasing capacity for fully immunized people at weddings, funerals, faith-based and other gatherings, based on continued vaccination rate increases and improvements in the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.

Under this first milestone of the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, Manitobans will also be able to gather in larger numbers, dine out in restaurants and on patios, attend faith-based services, and go to gyms, hair salons and retail stores in every region of the province, with some restrictions.

Effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 26, all Manitobans will benefit from these changes, including: · outdoor gathering sizes on private property to double to 10 persons, and to allow outdoor visitors to briefly access homes for essential activities (e.g. to use a washroom); · public outdoor gathering sizes to increase to 25 persons; · retail businesses to open with increased capacity at 25 per cent to a limit of 250 persons, with no restrictions on the number of household members permitted to shop

Manitoba Announces First Phase of Reopening Plan together; · personal service businesses (hair and nail salons, estheticians, barbers, etc.) to reopen at 50 per cent capacity, on an appointment basis only; · restaurants and bars to reopen at 25 per cent capacity for indoors and 50 per cent for outdoor dining. For indoor dining, patrons seated together must be from the same household unless all patrons at the table are fully immunized. Patrons who are fully immunized and from different households may dine together. For outdoor dining, tables are limited to a maximum of 8 patrons and can be from different households regardless of immunization status; · indoor faith-based services and organized community gatherings (e.g. pow wows, sun dance ceremonies) to resume at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 persons with masks worn at all times; · outdoor faith-based and organized community gatherings (e.g. pow wows, sun dance ceremonies) to resume for up to 50 persons, provided distance can be maintained between households. Drive-in services continue to be permitted; · outdoor weddings and funerals may take place with up to 25 participants, in addition to photographer and officiants. Indoor weddings and funerals remain limited to 10 persons; · indoor dance, music, theatre and other organized sports and recreation activities may reopen at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five persons, with no tournaments allowed; · outdoor dance, music and theatre classes and other organized recreation activities may reopen for groups up to 25 people, with no tournaments allowed; · swimming and wading pools, both indoor and outdoor, may reopen at 25 per cent capacity;

· gyms and fitness facilities may reopen for individual and group fitness classes at 25 per cent capacity with three metres distance maintained between patrons; and; · summer day camps may reopen to a maximum of 20 participants in groups.

Following the COVID-19 safety fundamentals, including indoor mask use and physical distancing, is still required.

The orders are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2, the next milestone in the 4-3-2 One Great Summer Reopening Path.

However, reopening capacities may be increased earlier if vaccination rate goals are reached sooner and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation continues to improve.

Despite the progress made over the past two months against the COVID-19 third wave both the premier and Roussin reinforced that public health restrictions are required.

“While the case numbers and our health system are improving, the pandemic is not over and variants of concern, especially the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant, are still circulating. This is why Manitobans need to continue to practice the fundamentals – washing your hands, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and getting fully vaccinated,” said Roussin. “Today’s reopening fits with the public health advice on where we are in the fight against the pandemic and where we still have to go.”

The next provincial milestone is set for Terry Fox Day, Aug. 2. At that time, the province will reopen to 50 per cent capacity or greater if 75 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and above have received their first vaccination dose and 50 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and above have

Manitoba Announces First Phase of Reopening Plan received their second dose, while taking ongoing account of COVID-19 transmission. An earlier reopening will be considered depending on progress toward these goals.

“We must remain caution, careful, and vigilant against a COVID-19 comeback,” said Pallister.

“The path we are on is improving but we are not yet fully out of the woods. But I am hopeful we will be able to reopen even more, sooner, if

Manitobans keep getting vaccinated as soon as they can.”

For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit: https://www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

PLEASE SEE BACKGROUNDER ON NEXT PAGE

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CHANGES TO PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS The following changes come into effect on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 12:01 a.m.

Sector Private Residences

Indoor Gatherings in Public Spaces Outdoor Gatherings in Public Spaces Restaurants and Bars

Existing Restrictions as of June 12 Up to five visitors from no more than two other households, in addition to those who reside there, are permitted outdoors on private property Restrictions Continue

New Restrictions as of June 26 Up to 10 visitors, in addition to those who reside there, are permitted outdoors on private property. Visitors may briefly enter the home for essential reasons.

Restrictions Continue

Up to five people permitted outdoors in public spaces Restrictions Continue

Gyms and Fitness Centres

Restrictions Continue

Casinos and VLTs Museums, Galleries and Libraries Movies Theatres and Concert Halls Weddings and Funerals

Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue

Up to 25 people permitted outdoors in public spaces.

Open at 25 per cent capacity for indoors and 50 per cent for outdoor dining; for indoor dining patrons seated together must be from the same household, unless all patrons at the table are fully immunized; for outdoor dining table sizes are limited to 8 people.

Open at 25 per cent capacity with three metres distance maintained between patrons for both individual and group fitness.

Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue

Up to 10 people plus photographer/officiants

Indoor Community, Cultural and Religious Gatherings Outdoor Community, Cultural and Religious

Closed

Open to 25 participants for outdoor ceremonies, in addition to photographer and officiants. Indoor weddings and funerals remain limited to 10 persons Open to 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 persons, with masks worn at all times Open to 50 persons. Drive-in services continue to be

Closed

Gatherings

permitted.

Personal Services

Closed

Indoor Sports and Recreation

Closed

Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Up to 5 people, organized team games are not permitted Closed

Open to 25 people; no tournaments allowed.

Day Camps

Closed

Retail, Markets, Garden Centres and Malls

Open at 10 per cent capacity up to a maximum of 100 persons, with only one shopper per household permitted. Mall capacity limit of up to 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity. Malls required to manage capacity and access to ensure compliance.

Open to a maximum of 20 participants in groups.

Open with increased capacity at 25 per cent to a limit of 250 persons, no additional restrictions.

Workplaces

Required to allow employees Restrictions Continue to work from home where possible.

Closed, meet virtually Open 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 persons with masks worn at all times

Dance, Theatre and Music Schools

Indoor Self-Help Gatherings

Open at 50 per cent capacity on an appointment basis only.

Open at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five persons; no tournaments allowed.

Open at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five persons indoors, or 25 people outdoors.

Government of Canada's First Phase to Easing Border Measures for Travellers Entering Canada (June 21, 2021 Public Health Agency of Canada News Release) The Government of Canada is

taking a responsible, precautionary approach at the border by continually monitoring available data and scientific evidence to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

The Government of Canada has announced the details of the first phase of its approach to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. These cautious adjustments are now possible because of the successes of the vaccine roll out in Canada and Canadians following public health measures.

Beginning July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.

To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.

For these new measures to apply to them, fully vaccinated travellers must still meet all other mandatory requirements, including pre- and onarrival testing. Continued testing will allow public health experts to keep monitoring positivity rates at the border, monitor for

variants of concern, and make further adjustments to border measures as needed.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada.

They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travellers, they will be required to follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keep a copy of their vaccine and test results, as well as a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.

For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements, which have been effective in reducing importation and transmission of COVID-19 and variants in Canada, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada.

Unvaccinated air travellers must also book a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel before their departure to Canada.

The Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe and the economy running.

Government of Canada's First Phase to Easing Border Measures for Travellers Entering Canada Quick facts •

For all travellers coming to Canada, planning in advance to ensure all mandatory requirements are met is crucial. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.

•

Fully vaccinated travellers who wish to be considered for the eased quarantine and testing requirements must meet all criteria, including the electronic submission of their vaccination documentation, in English or French, into ArriveCAN prior to arrival at the port of entry.

•

A person who submits false information on vaccination status could be liable to a fine of up to $750,000 or six months imprisonment or both, under the Quarantine Act, or prosecution under the Criminal Code for forgery.

Violating any quarantine or isolation instructions provided to travellers by a screening officer or quarantine officer when entering Canada is also an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to a $5,000 fine for each day of non-compliance or for each offence committed, or more serious penalties, including six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. Non-compliant air travellers may also be subject to fines of up to $5,000 for each offence committed under the Aeronautics Act.

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The Government of Canada is extending, until July 21, 2021,11:59 p.m. EDT, the temporary travel restrictions on discretionary (nonessential) international travel and with the US. Travellers who are currently eligible to enter Canada include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, as well as some foreign nationals who are allowed to enter Canada under the current entry prohibitions (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States; Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States).

•

The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India will be extended until July 21, 2021, as well as the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19 requiring air passengers who depart India to Canada via an indirect route to obtain a COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada. The NOTAM and Interim Order will not be extended for Pakistan at this time.

•

The existing international flight restrictions that funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports (Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport)

Government of Canada's First Phase to Easing Border Measures for Travellers Entering Canada will be maintained in this first phase of re-opening.

•

Currently, foreign national who hold a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence approved on or before March 18, 2020 are allowed to enter Canada. As of June 21, 2021, any foreign national who holds a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence will be allowed to travel to Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Canada will work with applicants who have a Confirmation of Permanent Residence that is expiring or has expired.

Related products •

Backgrounder: Phase I of easing border measures for travellers entering Canada

•

Backgrounder: Individuals approved for permanent residence may travel to Canada as of June 21

INFOGRAPHIC BELOW

Province Announces New Interchange to Be Constructed At Perimeter Highway and PTH 3 existing highway and constructing new interchanges where necessary.

(June 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government plans to construct a new diamond interchange at the intersection of PTH 100 (Perimeter Highway) and PTH 3, which will increase safety and reduce travel delays along the Perimeter Highway, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.

“Over the next 10 years, Manitoba will be recognized as a national transportation hub, linking east to west, north to south and enabling strong economic activity within and across our borders,” said Schuler. “The work currently being undertaken will enhance transportation mobility and connectivity, ensure safety and reliability across the highway network, and enable industry expansion that leverages Manitoba’s diverse economy.”

In 2020, the province released the South Perimeter Highway Design Study, which outlines two stages of changes for the Perimeter Highway. The initial stage, designed to accommodate forecast 2048 traffic levels, will include upgrading the highway to a four-lane divided freeway and improving the highway, interchanges and bridges. The final stage will include upgrading the Perimeter Highway to a six-lane divided freeway, reconfiguring the

One of the key components to the study was a new diamond interchange at the intersection of the Perimeter Highway and PTH 3 to reduce delays while also addressing operational and safety related issues at the current signalized intersection. Engineering work on the new interchange is planned to begin in late 2021, with construction scheduled to begin potentially in late 2023, following the completion of the interchange at the Perimeter Highway and St. Mary’s Road.

“Increased use of the Perimeter Highway over the past 30 years has required our government to address safety, operational and capacity deficiencies of the roadway,” said Schuler. “The Perimeter Highway is a significant economic driver for the province in the transportation of people, goods and services and we need to ensure the roadway is safe, efficient and progressive.”

The province also released the What We Heard report for Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review, which studied safety on the north section of the Perimeter Highway (PTH 101) from Portage Avenue to Fermor Avenue.

Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review proposes signalizing or closing all unsignalized median openings and stop-sign controlled access points, which will limit North Perimeter Highway access to intersections that are appropriately signalized, or have interchanges.

More than 1,200 people took part in the survey, with more than 70 per cent of respondents indicating that they believe the proposed safety improvements will address all or most safety

Province Announces New Interchange to Be Constructed At Perimeter Highway and PTH 3 concerns on the north section of the Perimeter Highway.

A functional design study for the North Perimeter Highway, similar to the South Perimeter Design Study, will begin later this year. The study will determine locations for future interchanges, grade separations, and access management strategies, and will also include additional engagement opportunities for directly impacted stakeholders and the public.

The minister also noted that to date, 26 intersections have been modified or closed on the Perimeter Highway, with an additional 14 expected to be closed or modified by this fall. A tender was advertised on June 17 to close most of the remaining PTH 101 median openings and unsignalized access points.

To view the What We Heard report for Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review, visit https://engagemb.ca/north-perimeter-safetyreview.

Province Launches New $30 Million Healthy Hire Manitoba Program The Manitoba government is introducing the $30 million Healthy Hire Manitoba Program, a new wage support to help private-sector employers reopen and encourage employees to get vaccinated and return to work, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“As we emerge from this third wave towards a post-pandemic Manitoba with fewer restrictions and more freedoms, our focus remains on getting all eligible Manitobans fully vaccinated, as quickly and safely as possible,” said Pallister. “As we continue to loosen restrictions this summer as vaccination rates increase, this new wage support will help ensure a smooth and steady reopening path and support employers as they staff up to offer Manitobans the goods and services they rely on and enjoy most.”

Under the Healthy Hire Manitoba Program, local employers can apply for up to $50,000 in provincial support to help cover the wages of new employees who can attest they have been vaccinated or will be vaccinated. Eligible employers will receive a grant equivalent to 50 per cent of wages for a maximum of 10 employees, with a maximum of $5,000 per employee. The wage support covers full pay periods for employees hired on or after June 10, 2021 with the last pay period ending Oct. 15.

Employers must be an active and permanent Manitoba-based business, not-for-profit or registered charity physically operating in the province. The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program is available for newly-hired employees who started working no earlier than June 10 or a rehired employee who worked for that employer in a previous year or who was laid off as a result of the public health restrictions.

“The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will incentivize employers to safely bring more employees back to work and encourage more Manitobans to get fully vaccinated,” said Pallister. “This new program supports our ‘4-32-One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, which rewards Manitobans with greater freedoms and fewer restrictions on our lives and economy as more of us get vaccinated.”

Pallister noted that employers that are participating in a different government program may receive funding from Healthy Hire Manitoba to hire additional employees.

More information and full eligibility criteria for the new Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will be posted online next week and listed with other COVID-19 support programs for individuals and businesses at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/programs/index.h tml.

Feed Regulatory Modernization Consultation The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a 90-day public consultation from June 12 to September 10, 2021, to gather feedback on the proposed changes to the Feeds Regulations, 1983.

We are seeking feedback from the public, academia, other government departments, and organizations or individuals with an interest in livestock feeds in Canada.

You can participate in this consultation in different ways: •

Read the proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I and submit your comments using the online regulatory consultation system

•

Read the proposed documents incorporated by reference

•

Read the fact sheets and guidance documents to better understand the proposed regulations

•

pathogens and disease agents, heightened consumer awareness of food safety, climate change, and increased globalization of trade.

Amendments to the Feeds Regulations are required to establish a feed framework that includes hazard analysis, preventive controls, traceability, increased record-keeping requirements, and licensing. These changes will better align with international regulatory frameworks and best practices. This will enable the CFIA and regulated sectors to better understand and manage risks that livestock feeds pose to animal health, human health and the environment, and will support proactive practices for managing those risks.

The ultimate objective is to develop a modernized risk- and outcome-based regulatory framework for feeds that: •

protects public, animal and plant health, and the environment

•

reduces unnecessary regulatory burden, overlap and redundancy for stakeholders

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addresses gaps, weaknesses, and inconsistencies

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better aligns regulatory frameworks with the strategic objectives of the CFIA and the government's priorities related to economic prosperity and border security

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supports fair and competitive trade in the market

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allows for innovation and flexibility through outcome-based regulations

Join a webinar

Background Information from the CFIA The proposed amendments to the federal Feeds Regulations, 1983, would be a major update and aim to improve livestock feed and food safety in Canada, reflect international standards and keep up with industry innovation, science and technology.

Feed and livestock production sectors in Canada and abroad have evolved considerably since 1983, operating in an environment influenced by several changing factors such as: nutritional advancements, feed manufacturing and distribution changes, innovation in feed manufacturing technologies, emergence of new

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches improve environmental sustainability of farm operations in Manitoba.

Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1 are eligible. Projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.

(June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

governments of Canada and Manitoba are advising that livestock producers who have been affected by dry conditions on pasture in Manitoba can apply for funding to support water source development under Ag Action Manitoba.

Funding is provided through the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practice (BMP) under Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance. Eligible items include: • water source development – constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts; • solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems; • permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and • permanent pipeline development.

Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practices provides targeted incentive programs to agricultural producers and select industry service providers to advance the adoption of BMPs. These practices reduce identified environmental risks, improve agroecosystem resilience, build public trust and

Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Sept. 1.

Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim (see www.ManitobaEFP.ca for more info).

The Ag Action Manitoba Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership— a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food and agri-products sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office, call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROWMB-AG (1-844-769-6224) for more information on any of these programs and services, or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture under Quick Links.

Frequently Asked Questions BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503) Q1. When is the deadline to apply?

A: Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted continuously up to that date and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall?

A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q3. If I have already done a water source development project this spring, am I eligible?

A: Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1, 2021 are eligible. However, projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.

Q4. What do I need to include with my application?

A: Please answer the questions provided in either the Farmers Application Form or ISP Application Form, and refer to the BMP Specific Questions listed in either the Farmers Guidebook or ISP Guidebook to assist you. Ensure that you explain the proposed project in detail, current practices on the farm, and the environmental benefit of the new practice. Include an aerial map of the pasture with the location of the existing and proposed water sources identified as well as any fencing (existing and proposed).

Q5. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion?

A: You can submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion, however, if your project is approved, you will be required to provide proof of a valid EFP by November 5, 2021 when you submit your project claim for reimbursement. Environmental Farm Plan workshop dates and locations will be listed at www.ManitobaEFP.ca .

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible?

A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size?

A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q8. Can I drill a new well in my yard?

A: Drilling a well in the yard is eligible if it is primarily intended for watering livestock on pasture and is the most cost efficient means of doing so. It can be used for supplying water to the yard as well, assuming the pastures are next to the yard. Only the well and pasture components are eligible for funding, not any components used for inyard water.

Q9. Do I need any permits?

A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include:  A Water Rights License is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres of water (25 m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of starting work.  Approvals from the rural municipality or Crown.  Any other standards or approvals as required by law.

Q10. Can I pump / pipe / haul water from an existing water source into a dugout that has gone dry?

A: Piping or hauling water from any water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout?

A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q12. I just need a water trough or water storage tank. Is this eligible?

A: No - watering system components such as watering bowls, troughs or storage tanks are only eligible as a part of a water source development project.

However, if your project includes development or rehabilitation of a water source (ex: well or dugout) or management of a riparian area (ex: exclusion fencing), watering system components are eligible.

Q13. How deep does a pipeline need to be?

A: Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground, and which can be properly winterized before freezing are eligible (ex: installed with a pasture pipeline plow). Above-ground pipelines are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only.

Q14. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent?

A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information with their application. For pastures on Crown Land, you must get approval from your local Farm Production Extension Specialist – Crown Lands.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact?

A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops Update (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend. There is no preparation required for this workshop.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire at (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via Online Meetings until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, click on the link Register now! for the date of your choice below.

Once registered, you will then receive an email with a link to access the meeting. Workbooks are mailed and you should receive yours approximately 1 week prior to the workshop. You can also visit this link to register:

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/ events-and-deadlines/index.html Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops

REGISTRATION DATE

TIME LINK

DEADLINE TO REGISTER

STATUS

1:30 July 14, 3:30 2021 PM

Register now!

June 30, 2021

OPEN

Aug. 11, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

Register now!

July 28, 2021

OPEN

Aug. 25, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

Register now!

Aug.11, 2021

OPEN

1:30 Sept.

3:30 8, 2021 PM

Register now!

Aug.25, 2021

OPEN

Verified Beef Production Plus Learn online and win!

VBP+ enables beef cattle producers to publicly demonstrate their commitment to responsible stewardship of both cattle and the environment. Getting VBP+ certified verifies the responsible practices on your beef cattle operation to your customers - consumers, retailers, and buyers. There are currently over 1.6 million beef cattle under the management of certified VBP+ operations in Canada.

• VBP+ training is web-based and can take place at your leisure around daily chores.

• Manitoba producers who complete the online training by July 31, 2021 will be entered in a draw for a cattle vaccine cooler valued at $219.

No pre-registration required.

For more information please call Melissa Atchison at (204) 264-0294 or email: verifiedbeefmanitoba@gmail.com • No pre-registration is required. Contact Melissa

Atchison