Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan are expressing dissatisfaction with current government policies, advocating for changes that could significantly impact their livelihoods. With the upcoming election, agricultural producers hope a new administration will address pressing issues such as trade barriers, tariffs, and market access.

Election Spotlight: Farmers Demand Action

The voices of Canada’s prairie farmers resonate strongly as they seek greater recognition and policy adjustments from federal candidates.

Prairie Producers Favor Conservative Policies

In the heart of rural Alberta, many grain farmers like Ron Krywko express a preference for conservative leadership in the impending election. The imposition of a carbon tax and the resultant Chinese tariff on Canadian canola oil have left these farmers feeling neglected by the present administration. Krywko, planning his spring crops of wheat, canola, and oats, yearns for a political shift that eliminates tariffs and ensures stable markets for agricultural produce. He reflects the sentiments of numerous farmers who find themselves increasingly frustrated by the influence of politics on their daily operations.The situation mirrors the 2021 federal election results, where Conservatives dominated, securing victories in most of Alberta and all of Saskatchewan’s ridings. This electoral landscape underscores the significant sway farmers hold in determining political outcomes in these regions. Their discontent with Liberal policies, marked by economic inflation, increased taxation, and escalating land prices, amplifies their desire for a governmental change.

International Trade at the Forefront

For Shane Strydhorst, another prominent farmer in northern Alberta, international trade remains the pivotal issue this election season. Approximately 85 percent of Canada’s pulse crops typically find their way to foreign markets annually. Strydhorst emphasizes the necessity for a government committed to enhancing global trade relations, strengthening diplomatic ties with key trading partners, and ensuring continuous market access for Canadian products.This focus on international trade prompts some farmers to reconsider their cropping strategies due to ongoing disputes, contemplating alternatives like barley over canola. Such shifts underscore the urgency with which farmers view trade stability as critical to sustaining their businesses. Strydhorst further advocates for political representation that champions agricultural interests and raises the profile of farming within national discussions.

Diverse Agricultural Needs Across Regions

Not all farmers align with the predominant concerns regarding trade. Michiel Verheul, representing High Q Greenhouses near Edmonton, highlights different priorities for greenhouse growers. These growers primarily serve domestic markets across western Canada, exporting minimally. Consequently, Verheul calls for federal attention towards food security initiatives and the modernization of business management programs such as AgriStability and AgriInvest.Verheul maintains an open stance on party selection, awaiting further developments during the campaign before casting his vote. His perspective reflects the varied needs within the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of productive land use irrespective of cultivation method—be it greenhouses or field crops.

Silenced Voices in the Election Discourse

Despite differing priorities, a common sentiment among Krywko, Strydhorst, and Verheul is the lack of substantial agricultural discourse in the election campaigns thus far. They collectively advocate for heightened political engagement with agricultural issues, recognizing farming's vital role in provincial and national economies. Strydhorst particularly stresses the need for politicians to champion agricultural causes, elevating its prominence and offering unwavering support to the industry. As the election approaches, these voices call for acknowledgment and action, hoping their messages reach the ears of those vying for power.