MBP Reps Attended Canadian Cattle Association AGM in Ottawa
dsfsfa
Representatives from MBP, including President Matthew Atkinson, Vice-President Arvid Nottveit, 2nd Vice-President Arvid Nottveit, Secretary Mike Duguid, District 4 Director Byron Falk, along with General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins were in Ottawa this week to take in the Canadian Cattle Association’s Annual General Meeting.
The CCA AGM is an important opportunity for representatives from national and provincial beef organizations, other value chain members, staff from various government departments, and elected officials to meet to discuss opportunities and issues facing the Canadian cattle sector.
A sampling of topics discussed included: updates on various trade negotiations that affect the beef sector, preparedness for potential foreign animal disease outbreaks, livestock traceability, making business risk management programs more responsive to the needs of the cattle industry, recognition of ecosystem services provided via beef production, food policies, beef grading, and regulatory modernization and harmonization, among others.
There was also the well-attended annual reception where
Members of Parliament, Senators and other decision makers were invited to interact with AGM delegates. This is an important opportunity to talk about the beef sector and its importance to the economy, as well as the array of other benefits it provides to Canadians, including the provision of a vast array of ecosystem services. The Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food spoke at the event, recognizing the value of the sector.
mbbeef.ca
E-Newsletter
March 22, 2024
MBP will be at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair all week long! Special guests at our booth include Bindi from the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program (Monday and Tuesday morning), Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives, and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Come find us near the entranceway to the Royal Farmyard and say hello!
Ag in the City offers a chance to explore the vibrant and innovative world of agriculture
Shoppers recently experienced all the cultural and economic benefits that agriculture offers when Ag in the City took over the Outlet Collection Winnipeg mall located in south Winnipeg.
The annual public awareness event – now in its 20th year – took place on March 16 and highlighted the contributions agriculture makes to the economy, and how important and vital it is for all Manitobans.
The free, family-friendly, hands-on, interactive event featured exhibitors, a wildly popular photo booth, as well as the University of Manitoba Food Fight where students pitched their creations to a three-judge panel, giving background on their product selection, development, and marketing plans.
“The Outlet Collection Mall was the perfect location to engage with a wide range of Manitobans who were interested in learning about food and farming in Manitoba,” said Laurel Lyons, Regional Communications Advisor for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada & CoChair of the event. “We had so many great
conversations with visitors, and we hope that their interest and knowledge in agriculture has increased as a result.”
Representing Manitoba Beef Producers was District 9 Director Trevor Sund, along with Communications and Marketing Lead David Hultin. The MBP booth featured a variety of recipes, the Guardians of the Grasslands online grazing simulation game (based on the critically acclaimed 2019 documentary of the same name) and a new interactive display that anchors the refreshed MBP space at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre. It was a productive day with more than three hundred conversations taking place.
MBP was joined by Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives (MBFI) which is a research and demonstration farm dedicated to working with farmers to support the advancement of the beef cattle and forage industries. MBFI General Manager Dr. Mary-Jane Orr and Extension Coordinator Josie Pedersen also fielded questions from the public.
With numerous requests to survey producers, we understand the fatigue and sincerely appreciate your support in working together to gather this valuable information from producers. The BCRC plans to repeat the survey every five years.
The results of this once-every-5-years survey are relied upon for KTT, research and cost of productionrelated strategies that work to effectively benefit producers and address industry needs. For example, results of previous surveys inspired the development of the popular Calf 911 resources.
Please consider spending 30-60 minutes anonymously sharing your herd and management information.
Tax Filing Season Has Begun
File your tax return to receive the benefit and credit payments you may be entitled to
(Canada Revenue Agency News Release) Effective March 19th Canadians can start filing their 2023 income tax and benefit return online. If you file on paper, you should have received your income tax package in the mail by March 19th .
There are good reasons to file your income tax and benefit return on time, and now is the time to do it! If you have a refund or if you qualify for certain benefits and credits, filing a return on time can put money in your pockets.
Consider the housing credits. For first-time home buyers, there are benefits, credits, and other tax measures available to help with the purchase of your first home, such as the First Home Savings Account, the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit, and the Home Buyers’ Plan If you are a homeowner looking to upgrade your home to make it more accessible or to create a self-contained secondary unit for a senior or for an adult who qualifies for the disability tax credit, you may qualify for the Home Accessibility Tax Credit or the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, which can help stretch your budget.
If you have children aged 18 or younger, you may qualify for the Canada child benefit, including related provincial and territorial programs, and some families may be eligible for the Child disability benefit
When you file a tax return, you may also be eligible for the Advanced Canada workers benefit, the GST/HST credit, including related provincial and territorial programs, or the Canada Carbon Rebate.
By using your My Account, you can easily manage your tax affairs online, and stay up-todate on the status of a refund or a payment, and change your address or marital status. Don’t
forget to check My Account on the overview page to see if you have any uncashed cheques
Many Canadians have found NETFILE-certified tax software easy to use, fast, and a secure way to complete an income tax and benefit return. When you combine online filing with direct deposit, your refund could be in your bank account in as little as eight days. These are all good reasons to make this year your year to electronically file your income tax and benefit return!
Did you know you could be eligible for free tax help if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation? Organizations across Canada host free in-person and virtual tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program If you live in Quebec, tax clinics are offered through the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program. By choosing not to file, you may miss out on benefits and credits you would be entitled to, which means less money in your bank account. It’s important to file your return even if you have little or no income to declare. Don’t forget that April 30, 2024, is the deadline for most Canadians to file their tax return. If you owe money to the CRA, this is also the payment due date. You have until June 15, 2024, to file your tax return if you're self-employed. But if you owe money, you must pay by April 30, 2024, to avoid interest. If you have self-employment income, the CRA does provide free tax help to help small business owners and self-employed individuals to help them understand their tax obligations through meetings with a Liaison Officer
Beware of scammers pretending to be CRA agents and trying to trick you into giving them money. Check out the CRA's scam prevention resources and stay updated on the latest scams affecting Canadians.
continued on page 6
Tax Filing Season Has Begun
File your tax return to receive the benefit and credit payments you may be entitled to
Quick facts
• For more tax information related to your province or territory, check out this tax tip. It includes statistics on benefits and credits related to your province or territory
• The Taxes and benefits for Indigenous peoples webpage offers information about tax filing, as well as benefits and credits for Indigenous Peoples. Visit this webpage for helpful tips, resources and guides to help answer your questions about First Nations, Inuit and Métis taxes.
• If you have a lower or fixed income and a simple tax situation, you may receive an invitation letter to use the CRA’s SimpleFile by Phone service.
• Check out Taxology, the CRA’s new podcast that makes taxes easier to understand.
• Our tax tips can help you get answers to your tax-related questions, and the Learn about your taxes tool can help you file your tax return on your own.
• If you need to make adjustments to your tax return, submitting them electronically using ReFILE or Change my return takes about two weeks to process. If you submit a paper request, it can take 8 to 10 weeks.
• If you can't pay your tax debt in full, you can propose a payment arrangement using the Payment Arrangement Calculator in My Account or My Business Account. If your proposal doesn't meet the CRA’s policy, a CRA officer will contact you to assist you.
Canada Carbon Rebates Being Paid in April
(March 19, 2024 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) The federal government is announcing that eligible Canadians will receive their first of four quarterly Canada Carbon Rebates for 2024–2025, starting on April 15 via direct bank deposit or cheque… This year, a family of four in Manitoba can expect to receive the following Canada Carbon Rebate amount: $1,200.
In recognition of rural Canadians’ higher energy needs and their more limited access to cleaner transportation options, the government has introduced legislation that would double the existing rural supplement from 10 percent to 20 percent of the base Canada Carbon Rebate amount. Implementing the increased rural supplement can only happen once Bill C-59, the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023, receives Royal Assent.
Quick facts
• Each year, Canada Carbon Rebate amounts are adjusted in line with the price on carbon, ensuring the rebate continues to reflect the expected
revenue in each province and returns the majority of proceeds directly to Canadians.
• The Canada Carbon Rebate amounts also reflect the proposed doubling of the rural supplement from 10 percent to 20 percent, which would be delivered following Royal Assent of Bill C-59.
• The first of four quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate payments will be issued starting in April 2024, with subsequent quarterly payments delivered in July 2024, October 2024, and January 2025.
• To receive your Canada Carbon Rebate on April 15, 2024, you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), must have electronically filed your income tax and benefit return on or before March 15, 2024. If your tax returns are filed after this date, your payment will be included in a subsequent payment after your return is assessed.
Supporting Research and Innovation in Agriculture with Funding for 101 New Projects
(March 21, 2024 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $16.3 million in grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 101 projects under the Research and Innovation Program over the next three years, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Folks around the world are looking for more sustainable agri-food products and I know our producers can deliver,” said MacAulay. “By investing in research and innovation across the value chain, we can address current and future challenges and help make sure the sector remains resilient, competitive, and efficient.”
The funding will go towards research and capacity building to accelerate innovation in agriculture in Manitoba, supporting companies that are leading innovative research and putting Manitoba at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research.
“Research and innovation drives growth and economic development in rural Manitoba,” said Kostyshyn. “Manitoba researchers are leading the way with innovative ways to make life more productive and more profitable for producers. We’re investing in them so they can better feed Manitoba and feed the world.”
Projects improve sustainability, resiliency and competitiveness of agriculture and agri-food sectors by accelerating the development and adoption of technologies and products that enhance efficiency and sustainability while addressing challenges such as climate change. Funding is available for stakeholders including primary producers, Agri-Processors, industry
organizations, academic institutions and research bodies, industry service providers and Indigenous governments, communities, and groups.
“Researchers at the University of Manitoba welcome this valuable support to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural systems and tools that will benefit producers and consumers,” said Dr. Martin Scanlon, dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba. “The training opportunities enabled by these projects will ensure our students play a pivotal role in the future of the Canadian agricultural landscape.”
A call for letters of intent under the Research and Innovation Program is now open for innovative industry-led research, development and capacitybuilding project ideas for funding commencing in spring 2025. In April 2023, more than $8.4 million was provided to support 47 projects and today an additional $7.9 million is being provided to 54 projects, for a total of 101 projects funded at $16.3 million under the Research and Innovation Program, the minister added.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and Agri-Products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 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.
For more information on Manitoba Agriculture’s Sustainable CAP Research and Innovation Program, visit:
https://manitoba.ca/scap/scienceresearch/research .html.
Government of Canada to adjust temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map
(March 21, 2024 Employment and Social Development Canada News Release) The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program experienced a surge in demand due to the postpandemic economy, low unemployment rates, and record-high job vacancy rates in 2022. To address those labour shortages, the Program adopted a series of policy changes. With changing labour market conditions and declining job vacancies, the Government is adjusting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to ensure the program continues to only be used in cases where there are no workers here in Canada that can fill the necessary role.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced that some timelimited measures under the TFW Program Workforce Solutions Road Map will not be renewed and will end, earlier than planned, this spring.
Effective May 1, 2024:
• New Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will be valid for six months (a decrease from 12 months) to ensure accurate labour market needs.
• All employers identified in the 2022 Workforce Solutions Road Map will have a reduction from 30% to 20% of their total workforce that can come in through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, under the low wage stream, with an exception for the construction and health care sectors.
• Employers will need to explore every option before applying for an LMIA
including recruiting asylum seekers with valid work permits here in Canada.
In addition, as of January 1, 2024, employers are required to annually review the wages of temporary foreign workers to ensure they reflect increases to prevailing wage rates for their given occupation and region of work. Through wage increases, these reviews will ensure that employers continue to pay temporary foreign workers at the prevailing wage level throughout their period of employment. For the vast majority of cases, when wages are reviewed, they are increased for the workers. If not, they remain the same and cannot go down upon review.
The Government of Canada will continue to monitor labour market conditions to ensure that the TFW Program reflects current economic needs, and that Canadians are considered first for job opportunities, while also ensuring that the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected.
Quick facts
• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is designed to be responsive to changes in the labour market. It helps Canadian employers fill labour and skills shortages on a temporary basis when Canadians and permanent residents are not available.
• The Workforce Solutions Road Map announced in 2022 applied to the following seven sectors: Food Manufacturing (NAICS 311); Wood Product Manufacturing (NAICS 321);
continued on page 10
Government of Canada to adjust temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map
Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (NAICS 337); Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72); Construction (NAICS 23); Hospitals (NAICS 622); and Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (NAICS 623).
• The unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage points to 5.8% in February 2024. It has held relatively steady in recent months, sitting at 5.8% for three of the past four months.
• Job vacancies fell by 25,400 (-3.6%) to 678,500 in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking the sixth straight quarterly decline from the record high reached in the second quarter of 2022 (983,600).
• Budget 2022 committed to the development of a new foreign labour program for agriculture and fish processing to ensure that Canada's food producers have access to a stable and reliable labour supply and to strengthen worker protections. Canada is ready to work with source countries through the modernization of new Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program bilateral agreements to offer temporary foreign workers and employers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood, and primary food processing into the program.
• As part of the Government’s broader commitment to help protect temporary foreign workers from mistreatment and abuse, Budget 2021 committed $49.5 million over three years to implement a new Migrant Worker Support Program to better support temporary foreign workers by addressing power imbalances between employers and workers.
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS
2024-25 SCHOLARSHIP INTAKE
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2024-25 academic year.
The scholarship criteria are as follows:
Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2024-25 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
Items You Are Required to Submit:
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2023-24);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2024 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee
220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2024.