The Canadian Government’s increase of the AgriRecovery from $100M to $500M
By Dami Igbinyemi
Due to the drought and wildfires, farmers across the country are struggling to maintain their livelihood. A drought affects livestock, soil, water, and crops, which is why the Government of Canada will continue to stand with farm families during this difficult time.
Today, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced that the Government of Canada will be increasing the total AgriRecovery funding to $500 million to address the cost brought on by the drought and wildfires. The initial funding of $100 million was announced on August 6, 2021.
“Our Government is doing everything it can to support farm families so they can get through these challenges today and be better positioned for a sustainable future. Today’s commitment of up to half a billion dollars shows we stand ready to contribute our share toward AgriRecovery programs with the provinces. We are united in our goal of ensuring that farmers are fully supported through this crisis.” – The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Given the circumstances farmers in Western Canada and parts of Ontario are facing, the increased funding allows the federal government to contribute to provinces’ AgriRecovery costs on the 60-40 cost-shared basis under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The government of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario have announced their provincial commitments under the AgriRecovery Framework. Alberta committed $136 million, Saskatchewan committed $119 million, Manitoba committed $62 million, Ontario committed $5 million bringing the total to $322 million.
The government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario are working to assess the tragedy and launch support programs including direct assistance to affected livestock and agricultural producers and funding for the added cost of obtaining livestock feed, transportation, and water. The government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario have also agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75% in case producers want to apply for them to cope with the immediate financial issues.
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