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MacGregor’s conservation bill receives key endorsement

National strategy to conserve and improve soil health the aim
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Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor. (Photo by Bernard Thibodeau)

Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP and NDP Agriculture and Food Critic Alistair MacGregor’s private members’ bill to protect soil (C-203) has been endorsed by the Agriculture Carbon Alliance which represents more than 190,000 businesses and hundreds of thousands of farmers.

The climate crisis has already devastated communities, people and livelihoods. The increase in extreme weather events and soil contamination is only worsening food insecurity.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture and, by trapping carbon, is a key part of fighting the climate crisis,” said MacGregor. “Without it, farmers struggle to keep up with food demands, and the entire agriculture industry in Canada would collapse – leaving families hungry and unable to afford costs. Canadians depend on our ability to produce good food to keep themselves, their families and the environment healthy – it’s time we start doing more to protect it.”

MacGregor’s bill will require the minister of agriculture and agri-food to develop a national strategy to promote efforts across Canada to conserve and improve soil health.

The NDP claims the Liberal government’s continued support of the oil and gas sector has delayed emission targets. MacGregor contends now is the time to step up and protect soil.

“Soil health is critical to the economic and environmental sustainability of Canadian agriculture, farmers, and ranchers,” ACA co-chair Dave Carey indicated. “We believe this bill will help draw attention to this important policy area and allow government, industry, farm groups and academics to work together in devising a strategy to protect and enhance Canada’s soil health. We look forward to working with MP MacGregor to support and move this legislation forward.”

“New Democrats know that to protect families and Canada’s future, we need to make sure that we are able to produce good food and a healthy environment,” added MacGregor. “We are urging all members of parliament to support this bill – ensuring the safety of our agriculture industry.”