April 25, 2023 (Regina, SK) – The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is calling on both the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) to reach a mutual agreement quickly to avoid further supply-chain disruptions.
APAS recently submitted a letter to Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau to address the concerns over the strike, particularly worries of restricted grain movement resulting from disruptions to the Canadian Grain Commission outward inspection and certification programs for grain exports.
“Our supply chain has not fully recovered from the impacts of COVID-19, and a prolonged labour disruption impacting exports will be a major blow to producers,” APAS President Ian Boxall said. “Delayed inspections will cause backlogs at ports. Every day a ship must wait means demurrage charges to grain companies, and these costs always make their way to the farmer.”
“Many ag programs require income tax filings to determine eligibility,” Boxall added. “Timely processing of income tax returns will be impacted. And there is growing uncertainty if the cash advance program will be affected."
Ahead of the crucial spring seeding season, APAS urges both parties to find a solution to minimize disruption and uncertainty for producers.
