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.
(APAS News Release)