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Thursday, January 31, 2019
Whooping cranes up to 650 in the wild Submitted by Nature Saskatchewan In 1941 only 21, whooping cranes existed in the world and many thought North America’s tallest bird was doomed to extinction. Through decades of dedicated and painstaking efforts the endangered whooping cranes now number some 650 in the wild. At least 500 of those whooping cranes survive in the Wood Buffalo Aransas Texas flock that migrates through Saskatchewan; the exact number won’t be available until after counts are completed later this winter. Each spring and fall, whooping cranes migrate through Saskatchewan to and from their wintering grounds on the Texas Gulf Coast and Wood Buffalo National Park on the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories. This past fall, 151 were observed near Marcelin, north of Saskatoon. This is the largest congregation of whooping cranes sighted in one bunch in over 100
years. Production of young was lower than average in 2018, with only six young being spotted in that large flock, a total of 24 young fledged in 2018. Over the years captive breeding of whooping cranes has been successful, with eggs or offspring being introduced in four locations in the United States to create additional populations of whoopers. Two of these re-establishment programs have failed (Idaho and Florida) while two others have achieved limited success (Wisconsin and Louisiana). Currently there are about 100 birds in the Eastern Migratory Flock summering in Wisconsin and another 50 birds in a non-migratory flock in Louisiana. Another 15 remain in Florida. There are about 165 birds in captivity, with just over 115 of those being breeding birds that are producing offspring for the reintroductions. Those birds are located in: Calgary, Alberta; Wisconsin; Louisiana; and Washington, D.C.
Through decades of dedicated and painstaking efforts the endangered whooping cranes now number some 650 in the wild. Photos by Kim Mann
American poachers face charges in Saskatchewan One sentenced to repeatedly watch Bambi
Staff According to Saskatchewan’s environment department, two Missouri hunters found guilty in one of that state’s largest deer poaching cases are facing charges in Saskatchewan. One of them is the poacher who was recently sentenced in the U.S. to, while in jail, watch the movie Bambi repeatedly. In 2016, David Berry Jr. and Cody Scott came to the province under the pretence of being duck hunters. They
illegally shot a number of white-tailed deer, an antelope, a coyote and a badger before heading back to the United States with their illegal cargo. Two Saskatchewan men were charged with aiding and abetting the Missouri hunters, as well as wasting game. They acted as drivers and assisted the poachers in storing and processing the illegally harvested wildlife. The local men also purchased a tag to help Berry Jr. and Scott take the antlers across the border.
The Saskatchewan men were fined $6,250, and were suspended from hunting for one year. Their names were not released as they voluntarily paid their fines and were not required to appear in court. If he returns to Canada, Berry Jr. faces eight charges under The Wildlife Act with potential fines in excess of $15,000 and a hunting suspension. Scott faces 14 charges with potential fines of almost $26,000 and a hunting suspension. In December, Berry Jr.
and Scott were prosecuted in Missouri as part of a poaching ring that included Berry’s father and two brothers. The prosecution resulted in fines and court costs of more than $50,000 and more than $150,000 in bonds. The U.S. case revolved around trophy bucks being taken illegally for their heads, while leaving the bodies of the deer to waste. Berry Jr. and Scott received lifetime hunting suspensions in Missouri, while Berry Jr. also received one year in jail
and was ordered to repeatedly watch the movie Bambi as part of his sentence. If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-6677561, or call #5555 (SaskTel cellular subscribers), or report a violation online at www. saskatchewan.ca/tip. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 31, 2019
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Commentary
New dish, with a dash of condescension After years of celebrating our agricultural know-how, the guide has gone urban – and is more than a little patronizing By Sylvain Charlebois
Senior Fellow Atlantic Institute for Market Studies
Say goodbye to the four food groups. Almost 12 years after the launch of the previous version, the new Canada’s Food Guide celebrates food by displaying a plate filled with greens, fruits, plant proteins and grains. And if you look very carefully, you’ll see a cup of yogurt alongside a piece of beef that looks a little like a piece of wood. Unlike the old version, the new guide can apply to different demographic groups and lifestyles. In a somewhat less innovative vein, it also encourages Canadians to cook, eat with other people, and consider water as their drink of choice. In all, the new food guide is a bold move from Health Canada, but it still misses the mark in some areas. The plate concept is clever. Few Canadians could tell how big portions should be in the old version and many can relate to the size of a plate. Dominated by vegetables and fruits, grains and proteins are now sidekicks. And, as expected, animal-based proteins are now second fiddle to plant-based proteins. Dairy and meat products have lost the protein wars, which means that in Ottawa, Health Canada won over Agriculture and Food Canada, probably for the first time. Nutrition-conscious minds prevailed, for better or worse. The guide has always showcased our agricultural know-how, beginning with the first edition in 1942. Then, not only did almost 30 per cent of our population live on farms, but nearly 30 per cent of our national gross domestic product came from agriculture. It was expected that the government promote commodities grown in our backyard. That guide displayed products we all knew: milk, fish and meat. Now, less than two per cent of Canadians live on farms and agriculture represents a fraction of our national GDP. The tone of this new guide is different as well – it embraces a different language: the nutrient-focused jargon Health Canada believes Canadians are ready for. Fibre and proteins are at the core of this new publication. The guide has gone urban for the first time. It’s more contemporary, multicultural and adaptable to varying modern diets. It’s about time. For the Liberal government heading into an election in the fall, this city-friendly
platform will do no great harm, only alienating regions that historically support the Conservatives. There are some weak points in this new guide, though. Some of it is quite condescending, with trite advice only an idealistic health professional would give. Phrases like “Enjoy your food,” “Be mindful of eating habits,” and the patronizing “Be aware of food marketing” are prominent. As the guide became more sophisticated about what we should be eating, it also got a little smug, treating all Canadians like five-year-olds. The food industry spends billions on marketing and the average Canadian sees roughly 1,500 advertisements a day. Is Health Canada suggesting Canadians can hide from all of this for the sake of eating better? That’s a stretch. And in the new guide, Health Canada is at odds with the buy-local movement. Eggs, poultry and milk are by far the biggest losers. Supported by supply management, our grandiose protectionist policy that allows us to produce what we need, these sectors may end up overproducing in just a few years. As we institutionalize a new message, behaviours will change. Domestic production of these commodities may require recalibration soon and many of our farms could disappear. Our agricultural trade policies aren’t synchronized with our domestic food policies and the new guide will only make things worse. Ottawa can’t carry on stating it unconditionally supports supply-management policy. It clearly doesn’t anymore. On the fruit and vegetable front, things could get tricky as well. We’re highly vulnerable due to our dependency on imported fruits and vegetables, especially in winter. It’s the most volatile food category for consumers. For example, lettuce prices went up by a whopping 39.4 per cent over 12 months in Canada. These price shifts are hard for consumers to cope with. We need to raise our veggie game in Canada – fast. So the new food guide is a step forward, despite the dash of demeaning comments. Now if we can get Health Canada to review the guide every five years like most other industrialized nations, perhaps it will stop treating the release like it was revealing the location of Cleopatra’s tomb. Sylvain Charlebois is scientific director of the Canadian Agrifood Foresight Institute, a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, and a senior fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. www.troymedia.com
SCA says eating beef makes good nutritional sense Staff The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association says, with the new Canada Food Guide, Health Canada is
missing an opportunity to inform Canadians of the nutritional benefits of eating lean beef as a source of many nutritional needs. It would be unfortunate
if Canadians interpret this bias as a signal to remove red meat from their diets, says the SCA; dietary advice to reduce red meat consumption could put
some Canadians at risk of iron, zinc, vitamin B12 deficiencies and inadequate protein intake. A release issued by the SCA says it appreciates the food guide’s focus on food waste reduction as a concrete action that consumers can take with regard to sustainable food choices,
stating Saskatchewan is a great place to grow beef and is perhaps one of the most sustainable agriculture systems in the world. In many places in the province, raising cattle is the best and most environmentally beneficial use of the land, says the SCA. Finally, SCA supports
the food guide’s recommendations to eat whole foods and cooking and eating with friends and family. “Canadians can continue to enjoy Canadian beef on their plate, a sustainable, locally grown, high nutrient product as part of their varied diets,” states the release.
In response to the unveiling of Canada’s new
food guide, Food & Consumer Products of Canada, the largest trade asso-
ciation representing food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers in Canada, says it recognizes the serious public health issues facing Canadians and the important role industry must play, but defends processed food as important to the Canadian lifestyle. “FCPC and its members are committed to supporting Canadians in their health and wellness goals,” states a release issued by CNW regarding the Food & Consumer Products of Continued on Page 4
Turtleford and District Co-op Processed food ‘vilified?’ is delivering bulk oil Staff to customers,
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Canada’s Food Guide takes new approach Staff
In launching the new Canada’s Food Guide recently, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, emphasized that healthy eating is about more than the foods Canadians eat. The new Food Guide is an online suite of resources aimed at meeting the needs of different users, including the general public, policy makers and health professionals. This includes mobile-friendly web content to encourage Canadians to eat healthy whenever and wherever they go. Health Canada says the new dietary guidance includes advice for Canadians on healthy food choices and healthy eating habits. This advice includes: • eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, • eating protein foods,
• choosing whole grain foods, and • making water your drink of choice. The Food Guide encourages Canadians to: • cook more often, • enjoy food, • be mindful of eating habits, and • eat meals with others. Health Canada also says it is working to ensure that the revised Food Guide is inclusive of Indigenous Peoples, reflecting social, cultural and historical context. Additionally, Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada are committed to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to support the development of distinctions-based healthy eating tools, as part of the revision process. The new Food Guide is an integral part of Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, which aims to make the healthier choice
the easier choice for all Canadians. Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, says “Dietitians are passionate about the potential of food to enhance lives and improve health. We commend Health Canada on taking a broader approach to eating by providing evidence-based guidance on not only what to eat but how to eat. We are also pleased to see inclusion and consideration of traditional foods, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability. Health promotion is an essential pillar in food policy and the new Food Guide tools and resources will support the creation of healthier food environments for Canadians.”
Plant-based food reps welcome new focus Staff
Plant-Based Foods of Canada has welcomed Health Canada’s release of an updated Canada Food Guide, with emphasis on consuming plant-based proteins more often. “The changes we’re seeing in the updated Canada Food Guide
reflect a broader societal trend towards greater consumption of plant-based foods that promises to continue in the years to come,” explains Beena Goldenberg, CEO, Hain Celestial Canada. “Public health research shows that the key to better eating is changing the food environment, which means not just educating
people about what they should eat but also ensuring that great tasting plant-based goods are widely available, convenient and affordable. Plant-Based Foods of Canada is well positioned to work with government and key stakeholders to make that happen.” Plant-Based Foods of Canada
notes that over the past few years, consumer notions of protein sources have expanded to include a wider variety of plant-based protein ingredients and foods. The increase in flexitarian eating, along with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and the health benefits associated with these trends, as well as concerns about
sustainability are putting the spotlight on plant proteins, says the group. Plant-Based Foods of Canada is comprised of food companies that make and market plant-based products that are part of a combination of proteins by a growing number of Canadians.
Beef belongs on the plate says SSGA Staff
While Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association welcomes the revised Canada Food Guide’s promotion of healthy eating and overall nutritional well-being, it is concerned the guide downplays the benefits of beef as part of a healthy diet and sustainable environment. “We recognize that consumers have more protein choices than they have ever had before, but we believe that beef is still a safe, healthy and nutritious protein source,” says SSGA President Bill Huber. “We encourage people to choose beef which is produced sustainably by thousands of beef producers across Canada.” According to the SSGA, a small amount of lean beef can provide high-quality, easily available protein and many other nutrients with relatively few calories. To get an equal amount of protein from other sources could
mean consuming higher volumes and more calories. Moreover, combining beef with recommended servings of vegetables provides a synergetic effect and helps the body absorb nutrients more efficiently. The SSGA also says beef provides several essential nutrients including high-quality, complete protein, all essential amino acids, readily available iron and zinc, and others such as riboflavin, niacin, selenium and vitamins B6 and B12. Reducing red meat consumption could put some Canadians at risk of iron, zinc, vitamin B12 deficiencies and inadequate protein intake, says the SSGA. The SSGA goes on to say that while the guide references the footprint of food production, it overlooks the many environmental benefits of beef production. Compared to other countries, Canadian beef cattle production has one of the highest levels of sustainability
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and efficiency and one of the lowest rates of greenhouse gas emissions due
to efficient grazing practices and improvements in feed-efficiency. In Canada
cattle graze marginal lands unsuitable for producing other food crops and turn
it into high quality protein, says the SSGA. Continued on Page 4
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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 31, 2019
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Has the Canada Food Guide ‘vilified’ processed food? Continued from Page 2 Canada. “We support providing consumers with information to educate them about healthy eating so that they make informed food decisions that suit their lifestyles. Our member companies continue to invest in product development and reformulation to enhance the nutrition profile and increase the choices available to consumers.” Registered Dietitian and FCPC Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Michi Furuya Chang, says, “Canadians should be limiting
their intake of nutrients of concern, such as sodium, sugar and saturated fats, however, categorizing food as ‘highly processed’ unfairly vilifies food that can be part of a healthy diet and that many Canadians rely upon as a convenient, affordable, safe and nutritious option.” Food processing has an important place within Canada’s food system and will continue to supply safe, convenient and non-perishable foods, says FCPC, adding no stakeholder group has a greater role and impact on food
environments than those within the food supply chain. “There were missed opportunities for industry to provide valuable contributions such as, sharing consumer insights, using labelling as a tool for disseminating relevant nutrition information and ensuring CFG communications and educational messages resonate with Canadians,” says the FCPC. “The reality is that people are time starved,” says Michael Graydon, CEO, FCPC. “People are look-
ing for tasty, convenient, affordable and nutritious products to feed their families and our members will
continue to respond to consumer needs.” Food processing is the largest employer in the
manufacturing sector in Canada, providing Canadians with jobs in over 6,000 manufacturing facilities.
Beef belongs on the plate says SSGA Continued from Page 3 “Cattle are also helping to conserve our remaining native grasslands. We’ve lost about 70 per cent of the native grasslands in North
America to cultivation and development which has destroyed natural habitat for species at risk and other wildlife,” the SSGA president says, adding, through grazing,
cattle help preserve the ecosystem function and health, including soil carbon storage, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, water filtration, and nutrient cycling.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 31, 2019 - Page 5
FCC in the community North Battleford Farm Credit Corporation staff are celebrating a number of community events they have initiated in the 2018. See the photos below.
Farm Credit Corporation employees Tracy Greier and Tatum Claypool Presenting $1,000 to Connaught School in North Battleford for their school feeding program.
Farm Credit Corporation employees Hailey De Yaegher and Tatum Claypool presenting community investment funds to Connaught School to build a garden and outdoor classroom.
FCC Employee’s Don McVoy and Nicole Suberlak Cooking burgers at the Drive Away Hunger Campaign BBQ. The campaign raised over 20,000 meals in the community in 2018.
FCC employees Tracy Greier and Doris JobinRobert presenting $1,000 to McKitrick School for their school feeding program.
FCC employees Tatum Claypool Presenting $1,000 to Gateway Elementary school in Meadow Lake for their school feeding program.
FCC employees Tracy Greier, Doris Jobin-Robert and Hailey De Yaegher volunteering at Battleford’s District Food and Resource Centre sorting all the donations from the FCC Drive Away Hunger Campaign partnered with BTEC and Battleford’s District Food and Resource Centre. Photos submitted
Key Issues discussed at Stock Growers semi-annual Members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) deliberated key issues for the beef industry at their Semi-Annual meeting in Regina on Friday, Jan. 18, during the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference. “The semi-annual meeting provided our members with a good opportunity to discuss issues the industry is facing, but also to work on solutions together,” stated Bill Huber, president of the SSGA. He reported on SSGA’s main activities last year that included monitoring and keeping members up-to-date on international trade negotiations and SS-
GA’s advocacy efforts. The meeting adopted six resolutions, including asking the federal and provincial governments to include Class 1 truck driver training as an eligible expense under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program. Another resolution highlighted SSGA’s conservation efforts by seeking to lobby the federal and provincial governments to recognize modified Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) conservation agreements as contributing towards Target 1 goals. Another resolution
expressed the members’ concern about the revised Canada’s Food Guide and called on the federal government to maintain the current guide’s recommendations for red meat consumption. Another resolution asked the federal and provincial governments to include traceability equipment as an eligible expense under CAP. The final two resolutions urged the federal government to maintain the license for strychnine until a viable alternative is available, and asked the provincial government to provide funding to PFRA and SPP community pas-
Turtleford and District Co-op is a Highline Dealer for bale processors, mowers, rock pickers and bale hauling equipment. We also carry Highline parts. Contact the
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tures in transition for controlling the spread of invasive weeds. Minister of Justice Don Morgan presented valuable information on changes to
the trespassing legislation, while SGI representatives explained the new Class 1 mandatory truck driver training going into effect on March 15. This was a
timely issue since federal and provincial transport ministers were to meet this month to discuss national standards for commercial truck driver training.
Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 31, 2019
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