November 1, 2024 New
The Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Beef Cattle Research Council are each looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in their 2025 summer intern program. See page 13 for information.
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 13, 2024 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting held in August in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Note: if you are a producer who is considering selfnoomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 13, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.
146, 6715 8th Street NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
www cdnbeefcheckoff.ca
On August 20, 2024, the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency entrusted me as Chair. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity and excited about our organization’s future. I have some big boots to fill following those who have led this organization before me.
As we dive into the fall run, many of us are busy weaning, sorting, shipping, and planning for the next year or two with our herds. Despite this hectic time, I felt it was important to reach out directly to our beef producers in Canada to introduce myself and share my vision for the beef check-off in Canada.
I am a fourth-generation farmer near Glassville, NB. For over 120 years, my family has raised cattle on our original land. As a Canadian cattleman, I am committed to focusing on the future while ensuring we are doing things right today.
Our farm operates 70 head of purebred and commercial Black and Red Angus cattle and is VBP+ certified. I see great value in research and data supporting sustainability and welfare for beef producers. This is why I am participating in the Living Lab project in New Brunswick. Living Lab unites farmers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to address greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration, strengthening our food systems.
Outside our operation, I believe in investing in the beef industry through service. Those of us with support at home should consider leadership roles in our associations. It's crucial for these organizations to have dedicated individuals committed to serving and leading on behalf of producers.
I have served on the New Brunswick Cattle Producers board and was the Maritime Director for the Canadian Angus Association before becoming President. These roles prepared me for what I believe is a natural fit for me – the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency.
I am a strong advocate for the check-off in our industry. As Chair, I aim to connect with our industry, communicate benefits, and ensure transparency and prudent use of check-off dollars. It has been a privilege to visit operations from coast to coast and understand the nuances of beef farming in different provinces. I regularly engage with producers, whether at home in New Brunswick or as Chair, and often address the question, “Why is the check-off important?”
Check-off investments return directly to our industry, funding invaluable work. Global and domestic marketing helps maintain strong demand for beef in Canada and globally. Without check-off dollars, our presence in other markets would diminish, and domestic demand would be nearly 10% lower. Globally, export markets contribute an additional $1,295 per head in value by ensuring high demand and quality, delivering the right cut to the right market consistently.
Check-off funds also support essential research for our operations. Continued research into areas like sustainability and carbon sequestration, food safety and animal welfare demonstrate that Canadian beef farmers are doing things right, a message vital for consumers and the public. When research can transparently support our industry, it makes a world of difference when those with influence are making decisions.
Investing in public and stakeholder engagement is invaluable, and beef producers should take pride in their contributions. Our investments help manage issues proactively and fund consumer perception research to guide impactful investment decisions.
The last benefit-cost ratio study that we did showed a remarkable 33:1 return on check-off investments, confirming we’re on the right path. The investments made through our national service providers continue to show measurable value in the pockets of producers' jeans.
My first priority as Chair is to ensure that value remains strong. I aim to unify check-off and import levy collections to create a stable funding strategy that delivers measurable returns for our farmers and ranchers.
I also want to focus on the future for my second priority. The check-off collection mechanisms have been in place for over 20 years with minimal changes, and we must explore improvements to keep pace with how we raise and market cattle between provinces. I want to make sure that our collection mechanisms and investment strategies keep up and help us prepare for the next 20 years.
My third priority is to ensure ongoing communication with beef farmers and ranchers. I want grassroots producers to feel confident in their check-off investments and understand how their money is spent and the resulting impacts. While reaching all stakeholders may not be easy, we are committed to keeping communication lines open.
Once again, I am honored by the trust the organization has placed in me to lead our dedicated team as we fulfill our mandate for the Canadian beef industry. I look forward to developing a strong business plan this winter that addresses my three priorities and delivers measurable value to our stakeholders.
I am excited to be part of such a dynamic organization that can significantly benefit Canadian beef farmers and ranchers. I encourage you to engage with your provincial cattle associations and participate in check-off investment discussions at district or zone meetings. There are many opportunities for us to connect, learn from each other, and provide input.
I look forward to meeting many of you during my travels!
Regards, Trevor Welch,
Chair
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency manages and administers the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off and the beef import levy. By working with core partners, the Agency ensures that check-off dollars are invested into research, market development and promotion programs that deliver measurable value to the Canadian beef industry. The Agency is responsible for communicating the value of the check-off and import levy investments, as well as training and education of producers and funding partners, regulatory management, collection and administration of checkoff dollars.
For more information, please contact: Tayla Fraser Manager, Partner Engagement tfraser@cdnbeefcheckoff.ca
(October 31, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is freezing the scheduled rental rate for agricultural Crown land (ACL) forage leases for the 2025 growing season to ensure ACL leases remain affordable for Manitoba cattle producers, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
“Freezing the 2025 forage lease and permit rates to match the 2024 rate will provide support to Manitoba producers,” said Kostyshyn. “We are also extending the timeline for producers to submit an appraisal report and apply for improvement costs to leased land for leases expiring this year.”
In 2024, the province effectively froze ACL forage lease and permit rental rates, noted the minister. For 2025, the annual rent will be set at the same rate as 2024 for ACL forage leases and permits, which means producers won’t see an increase to the rate on their invoice for 2025.
“Manitoba’s agricultural Crown land lease holders work hard at what they do,” added Kostyshyn. “Our government is committed to affordability and this freeze will help producers deal with the cost of their rent.”
Manitoba’s agricultural Crown lands are parcels of land leased to producers for agricultural use including grazing, haying or annual cropping. Agricultural Crown lands are important public assets economically, environmentally and socially, and essential to supporting and growing the livestock industry in Manitoba and providing mitigation and adaptation to climate change, noted the minister.
For more information on agricultural Crown lands, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land.
Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations reminds residents daylight time will end in Manitoba early Sunday morning when clocks will be set back one hour.
Under the Official Time Act, daylight time ends on the first Sunday in November and resumes the second Sunday in March.
The official time change back to central standard time will occur this year at 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at which time clocks should be set back to 1 a.m.
An additional reminder to homeowners, when changing clocks it’s a good habit to check both the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on Nov. 3 and ensure they are both in working order with new batteries if necessary.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is collecting reports for the October Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR. We’re not just interested in hearing about extraordinary conditions; we’re also interested in hearing if conditions are normal for the time of year.
Your response will help accurately represent the impacts of weather in your region. The data collected from this survey will help inform recommendations for Livestock Tax Deferral, the Canadian Drought Monitor, and updates to the Minister of Agriculture.
To learn more about AIR, follow this link.
To let the Science and Technology Branch of AAFC know what the conditions are like this month in your area, please respond to one of the links below:
English
French
To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation!
Thank you for your participation in the AIR surveys this past growing season.
(October 29, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is investing $19.6 million in a major bridge crossing to improve Manitoba highways and enhance climate resiliency by reducing the impacts of future floods in southwest Manitoba, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced today.
The Souris River Bridge on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 3 at Melita is a vital east-west link over the Souris River connecting people, businesses and communities, noted the minister.
“Our government knows that infrastructure is critical to our economy,” said Naylor “Manitobans depend on safe roads and bridges to grow their businesses, support their families and ensure they have access to important health services. I am pleased to see this project move forward to keep the communities of southwest Manitoba safe and to invest in the future of rural Manitoba ”
The bridge replacement contract has been awarded to MD Steele Construction Limited.
The new three-span steel I-girder bridge is being constructed with improved hydraulic capacity for flood resiliency and will be wider than the existing bridge, with two 3.7-metre travel lanes and 2.5-metre shoulders. The work has already begun and is anticipated to be open to traffic by next fall, noted Naylor, adding full completion of all work related to the project is scheduled for later in the fall or early winter of 2025.
Traffic is being detoured during bridge construction onto a shoo-fly detour adjacent to the existing highway and will remain open throughout construction with a single lane controlled by signal lights at each end of the bridge.
Drivers should exercise caution through the construction area at all times. For more information on Manitoba’s Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/mti/myhis/index.html.
Up-to-date information on highway conditions, including detours, restrictions and road closures, is available at www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511.
(October 30, 2024 Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson News Release) The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, Mr. François Boileau, is pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has proactively waived the 2024 filing requirement for bare trusts, unless it makes a direct request.
In July 2024, the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson announced that our Office was opening a systemic examination into whether the CRA had respected taxpayers’ rights in its administration of bare trust filing requirements for the 2023 tax year.
In carrying out the examination, we heard from stakeholders that the bare trust information the CRA provided for the 2023 tax year had value, but like the 2023 exemption, it came too late. Many tax preparers complete their hiring and training in the fall for each upcoming tax season. Therefore, announcing relief or an exemption beyond November is not timely.
In August and September 2024, the Department of Finance Canada consulted with Canadians on technical amendments clarifying the trust reporting rules. It indicated that the legislative proposal would seek to reduce the administrative burden and to exempt bare trustees from the 2024 bare trust filing requirement.
The CRA’s role is to administer the tax legislation in a manner that is fair and reasonable for taxpayers. It appears unlikely that a bill reflecting the proposed amendments would receive royal assent before many tax preparation firms begin planning for the 2025 tax-filing season. Therefore, it was important that the CRA proactively communicate this exemption, which it did this week.
We are currently in the final stages of drafting our report on our examination into the CRA’s administration of the 2023 bare trust filing requirements. We have met with stakeholders, examined complaints we received, and sought answers from the CRA. We plan to publish the report in early 2025.
The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson works independently from the CRA. Canadians can submit complaints to the Office if they feel they are not receiving the appropriate service from the CRA. Our main objective is to improve the service the CRA provides to taxpayers and benefit recipients by reviewing individual service complaints and service issues that affect more than one person or a segment of the population.
The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson assists, advises and informs the Minister of National Revenue about matters relating to services provided by the CRA. The Ombudsperson ensures, in particular, that the CRA respects eight of the service rights outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
Trust reporting for the 2024 tax year – Bare trusts not required to file the T3 Return and Schedule 15
October 29, 2024 Canada Revenue Agency Notice
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will not require bare trusts to file a T3 Income Tax and Information Return (T3 return), including Schedule 15 (Beneficial Ownership Information of a Trust) for the 2024 tax year, unless the CRA makes a direct request for these filings. This is a continuation of the exemption from the trust
reporting requirements that was issued for bare trusts for the 2023 tax year.
Other affected trusts still required to report
The new trust reporting requirements still apply to other affected trusts with taxation years ending after December 30, 2023. These affected trusts are required to file a T3 return, including Schedule 15, unless specific conditions are met. Find out more with our answers to frequently
asked questions on reporting requirements for trusts.
The deadline for the T3 return is no later than 90 days after the trust's tax year-end. The tax year-end for most trusts is the end of the calendar year. Trusts with a December 31, 2024, tax year-end will need to file their T3 Return by March 31, 2025.
More information and updates, when available, can be found at trust income tax return
Location: Calgary
Overview:
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef producers. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected Board, CCA works to address issues of concern to Canada’s beef producers.
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a division of CCA. The CRSB is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability in the Canadian beef industry. It has over 100 members representing the beef value chain and beyond.
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research. The BCRC is committed to delivering and supporting initiatives that effectively accelerate the development and uptake of research findings and outcomes by industry.
CCA, CRSB and BCRC are each looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in our CCA Summer Intern Program.
There are a total of three (3) internships available.
Job Description:
These internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students interested in the Canadian beef industry across a broad range of topics including (but not limited to) public policy, research, sustainability, communications, and advocacy. Interns will have the opportunity to engage directly with CCA and its divisions’ staff, Board Members, Councils, and key industry stakeholders to help overcome challenges and advance priorities important to the Canadian beef industry Students are also encouraged to propose summer projects to CCA, CRSB, and BCRC for consideration.
CCA internship
Responsibilities:
Assist with youth program delivery (Canadian Cattle Young Leaders & Canadian Cattle Youth Council), including activities at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference
Assist in communications of advocacy efforts and policy enactment (social media, stakeholder outreach, media management, website maintenance, etc.)
Assist with the development of communication updates to member organizations
Observe association meetings (board, committees, working groups)
Perform other duties as assigned to advance CCA activities
CRSB internship
Responsibilities:
• Assist with event preparation and delivery
• Support program and project development, delivery and reporting
• Support communications activities
• Conduct literature reviews
• Assist with administrative tasks
• Perform other duties as assigned
BCRC internship
Responsibilities:
• Support BCRC knowledge and technology transfer efforts including website and social media content development
• Assist with event preparation and development
• Assist with content development for BCRC’s regular publications
• Support scientific and special topic reviews in a wide variety of areas and assist in BCRC’s research evaluation processes
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies
• Applicants should be enrolled in an agriculture or associated program, have beef production experience, and/or an expressed interest in pursuing a career in the Canadian beef industry
• Must be available for the duration of the internship
• Must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Must be able to work in CCA’s Calgary office
Please send cover letters and resumes to Sherin at chopras@cattle.ca with the subject line: CCA Summer Intern and indicate on your cover letter which division’s internship (or divisions’ internships) you are interested in. Candidates can apply to more than one internship. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Canadian Cattle Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: CCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CCA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service,family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Canada.
(October 25, 2024 Employment and Social Development Canada News Release) With winter just around the corner, many Canadians are starting to look for international getaways for their vacations. Whether it is for the holidays or spring break, Service Canada encourages travellers to check their passport validity based on the destination’s entry and exit requirements, which may include a minimum validity period. The passport must meet those requirements.
Planning ahead is always the best approach, so today, Minister of Citizens’ Services, Terry Beech, encouraged any Canadian who needs their first adult passport, or a passport for their child, to apply as soon as possible, at least six months prior to their travel date. For those who already have an adult passport, Service Canada recommends starting the renewal process at least six months before expiry. Getting an early start on the process will give travellers plenty of time to gather the required documents and materials for renewal. It could also avoid situations where they cannot enter or leave their country of choice despite having a valid passport because of entry and exit requirements.
Canadians can visit eServiceCanada to book an appointment at their nearest Service Canada location. All forms must be completed before the appointment. Canadians can also obtain passport services without an appointment.
Depending on when the passport is needed, many options are available to submit passport applications:
• No immediate travel plans: Canadians who do not have immediate travel plans can submit their application by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre,
passport office or scheduled outreach site.
• Travel in the coming weeks: Canadians who will travel in the coming weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that processes applications within 10 business days. This does not include the mailing time for the passport. Clients can also choose to pick up their passport once it is ready.
• Travel in less than two weeks: If a passport is needed in less than two weeks, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pickup services. Proof of travel is required. For more information, visit Get urgent, express or emergency weekend passport services
• Visit Find a passport service location in Canada for all the details about passport offices, including the estimated wait times for offices offering 10-business-day passport service.
Canadians should include their travel date, if they have one, in their passport application.
For more details on the Passport Program, Service Canada points of service and service standards, please visit Canadian passports and other travel documents: Applying in Canada.
• The service standard for applications submitted at most Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20 business days, plus mailing time.
• The service standard for applications submitted at passport offices and selected
Service Canada Centres is 10 business days, plus mailing time if pick-up is not required.
• Estimated wait times at offices offering 10business day passport service can be found at Find a passport service location in Canada
• Rather than calling or visiting a Service Canada point of service, applicants can check the status of their application in just a few clicks. To use this service, clients must include an email address to use the online Passport Application Status Checker
• Clients who applied in person will need the file or reference number from their receipt. For mailed applications or those without a reference number, clients can request to have the number sent to the email provided in the application. The status will be available after 5 business days for in-person applications, and after 10 business days for mailed applications.
• Service Canada issued approximately 33% more passports in fiscal year 2023–24 than in the previous year and exceeded the 90% performance target by processing 92% of passport applications within service standards.
• For 2024–25, Service Canada expects to receive between 5.19 million and 5.74 million passport applications. Service Canada remains on track to exceed its service standard target once again, despite the significant increase in demand.
Associated links
• Canadian passports and travel documents
• Find a Service Canada Office
• Welcome to the eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool
