E-Newsletter mbbeef.ca
March 12, 2021
An update from Manitoba Beef Producers
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Province Distributes New Legislation That Would Help Prevent Trespassing On Private Property
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For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/
Beef sector’s sustainability defended Western Producer Beavers unlikely inspiration in drought mitigation Manitoba Co-operator Choose certifications that are actually relevant, expert says Manitoba Co-operator
MBP Held Annual Spring Meeting with MASC Board of Directors and Staff On March 11 MBP President Tyler Fulton, along with members of MBP’s Production Management Committee and association staff participated in the annual spring meeting (virtual) with the board of directors and some staff from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. This annual meeting is an important opportunity to discuss MASC programs and services, such as insurance offerings and lending programs. Among the matters discussed was the Individual Productivity Index (IPI) as it pertains to silage corn, and the basis of this calculation. MASC’s existing approach involves the use of the provincial average, and MBP asked if consideration was given to using a regional approach. IPI for silage corn will be introduced in 2021. IPI calculates probable yields using a producer’s own individual yield history, based on a 10-year moving average with a two-year lag. Also discussed was the method used for yield clarification (in field or in the pile) and challenges which may arise in a situation where silage is particularly dry. MBP noted the importance of accurate sampling techniques as sound data is important to both insureds and MASC. As well, MBP asked if MASC could get the results of the quality sample back to the producers more quickly so they can use it for ration balancing, rather than having to take their own samples. Another matter discussed was the Pasture Days insurance program. MBP noted different producers have different experiences with the program and concerns have arisen that the program does not cover a seasonal shortfall if the overall year is sufficient. The use of technology, such as satellite imagery that would hone in more accurately on a producer’s pasture productivity experience was raised by MBP. Some research is occurring in this area in Canada. Administrative burden related to
the Pasture Days program was cited by MBP, and MBP asked that consideration be given by MASC to providing for the use of third party apps to manage information related to cattle movements related to grazing. MBP believes this could potentially ease burden associated with the reporting requirements. The meeting touched on the implementation of the recommendations of the Manitoba Forage Insurance Review recommendations, and the timeframe around movement on those. MBP is engaging with MASC on various aspects of the report, including the need for effective insurance tools for alternative crops which are increasingly being used by producers, such as polycrops. Another matter discussed was the verification process required to approve a loss claim under the Livestock Damage Compensation Program in relation to predation losses. MASC adjustors have worked with producers to consider photographic evidence of losses. MBP has asked if consideration will be given to using other forms of technology to assess losses, such as the use of video chats. MBP recognized MASC for its involvement in the Livestock Predation Prevention Project. MBP thanks the MASC board of directors and staff for providing this annual engagement opportunity. MBP directors and staff also work with MASC staff throughout the year to find ways to address emerging concerns and to ensure that business risk management programs, lending tools and other services are responsive to the needs of Manitoba’s beef producers.
News Release Canadian Cattlemen’s Association pleased Canada is one step closer to attaining BSE negligible risk status March 12, 2021 Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased with the Government of Canada’s announcement today that sees Canada one step closer to be recognized as Negligible Risk by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Today marks an important step forward for the Canadian beef industry. Final approval is subject to a vote at the 88th General Assembly of the OIE. Negligible risk status would help facilitate expanded access to foreign markets for various products currently limited by BSE era restrictions. “The recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission to grant Canada the negligible status for BSE risk is an important first step,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “CCA respects the OIE review process and will await the final determination in May.” CCA worked closely with the Government of Canada to see this application come to fruition. Member countries now have sixty days to ask for any information included in the BSE dossier from Canada. The recommendation will then be put to vote by the delegates at the 88th General Assembly at the end of May. For more information, please see the Government of Canada news release here. For further information, please contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca
The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca
Canada's Application for Negligible Risk Status for BSE Passes an Important Milestone (March 12, 2021 Canadian Food Inspection Agency News Release) The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that Canada is an important step closer to being recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a negligible-risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The Scientific Commission of the OIE has recommended to OIE delegates that Canada's application to change its status from a controlledrisk country for BSE to one of negligible risk fulfills the necessary requirements.
for our hard-working beef producers who provide top-quality products.” –The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts •
There are 182 Permanent Delegates of the OIE.
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The CFIA's Dr. Jaspinder Komal is the OIE Delegate for Canada. He represents Canada on the international stage and plays an integral role in Canada's participation in the OIE's standard-setting process for the development and adoption of animal health standards and guidelines. Dr. Komal ensures that the standards are appropriately and consistently implemented in Canada, and is responsible for notifying the OIE of reportable animal disease occurrences in Canada.
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Since 2007, Canada has been recognized by the OIE as a controlled BSE-risk country.
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One of the OIE criteria for Canada to be categorized as a negligible BSE-risk country is to demonstrate that infected domestic animals were born more than 11 years prior.
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The last case of BSE in Canada was in 2015 in a cow born in 2009.
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The CFIA continues to lead on other initiatives to improve animal health, veterinary public health and animal welfare in Canada.
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The OIE also evaluated Canada's veterinary services and recognized Canada as a topperforming country for its veterinary services and a leading example in meeting international standards.
This recommendation has been sent to OIE Delegates who will officially vote on Canada's application at the next World Assembly of OIE Delegates General Session at the end of May 2021. A change from controlled to negligible BSE-risk status would help secure and negotiate access for Canadian cattle and beef products to trade markets that require products to originate from negligible BSE-risk status countries. The Government of Canada worked closely with provinces and industry to put forward a strong application based on data. The diligence of Canada's approach is reflected in this recommendation to proceed to a vote at the OIE General Session. Canada awaits the World Assembly of OIE Delegate's final decision, to be announced in May 2021. Quotes “Today, beef producers can be pleased that Canada has taken an important step to being recognized as negligible risk for BSE. Although we still need to await the final vote, I am optimistic that this will soon allow them to expand their markets for cattle and beef exports to the U.S. and other foreign markets. Our government will continue to stand up
COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin: Morden Super Site Opens March 22, Rural and Northern Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics Begin March 18
(March 10, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Morden super site, located at the
Access Event Centre, will launch on March 22. Individuals who meet provincial eligibility criteria for immunization can begin making their appointments through the call centre. Pop-up vaccination clinics will launch next week in rural and northern Manitoba communities for people who meet current provincial eligibility criteria. Appointments are required and can be made through the provincial call centre beginning tomorrow, March 11. Callers should have their health card available to make their appointment. The first pop-up clinics will be held in Beausejour, Gimli, Pine Falls, Ashern, Morris, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin and Flin Flon. The initial two-week schedule, which includes additional communities, is also available online at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and will be regularly updated. Vaccine Administration
yesterday. Further details about how this vaccine will be used in Manitoba’s immunization campaign will be provided as soon as possible. To date, approximately 500 medical clinics and pharmacies have applied to be part of the immunization campaign, using fridge-stable vaccines like these. Appointments and Eligibility Criteria There are no adjustments to eligibility criteria today. Individuals aged 80 or older or First Nation people aged 60 or older at the time of booking an appointment are eligible. Appointments can currently be booked for super sites in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. Appointments for pop-up clinics can be made beginning tomorrow, March 11. To avoid delays on site, people are reminded to have their consent form fully completed prior to arrival. Recognizing that spouses or household members might become eligible at the same time, individuals can now make an appointment for more than one person at a time, as long as both individuals meet the current eligibility criteria.
To date, 94,785 doses of vaccine have been administered including 63,993 first doses and 30,792 second doses. This week, Focused Immunization Teams (FITs) will provide the first dose of vaccine to about 3,000 eligible residents at more than 70 congregate living facilities.
Manitobans should visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html to determine if they are eligible to make an appointment. If eligible, call (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). Everyone who calls is screened to ensure they meet current eligibility criteria before booking an appointment.
The first shipment of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine arrived
The average wait time to make an appointment by phone was 45 to 60 minutes yesterday. A
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COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin: Morden Super Site Opens March 22, Rural and Northern Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics Begin March 18 call-back option is also available instead of waiting on hold. Workforce To date, 1,385 people have been hired to assist with Manitoba’s vaccination efforts including immunizers, clinic managers, clinical leads, system navigators and observers. This is in addition to 971 staff who have been assigned to COVID-19 immunization efforts from regional health authorities, bringing the total of new hires and existing staff to 2,356.
Additional Information Manitoba’s daily maximum capacity measures the number of doses the province could give every day, if vaccine supply was not an issue. The provincial target is 20,000 doses per day by April, and it is currently 18,973. The vaccination calculator lets Manitobans see where they are in the priority line, based on their age, vaccine uptake and other factors. The calculator was recently updated and is available online at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine. All data in this bulletin is current as of March 9, unless noted otherwise. More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.
Vaccine Supply and Distribution To date, a total of 142,840 doses of vaccine have been delivered to Manitoba. This includes: • 95,940 doses of Pfizer vaccine; • 28,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine; and • 18,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine. This week, Manitoba expects to receive 16,380 doses of Pfizer vaccine.
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POP-UP IMMUNIZATION CLINICS To provide closer and more convenient access to the COVID-19 vaccine, eligible people can now be immunized at pop-up clinics that will be available across the province. This is the initial two-week schedule and updates will be provided regularly. Beginning March 11, people who meet the province’s eligibility criteria can call (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) to make an appointment at one of the following locations: Southern Health–Santé Sud Morris: March 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Morris Multiplex Portage la Prairie: March 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Herman Prior Senior Services Centre Sprague: March 23, 1 to 4 p.m., East Borderland Primary Health Care Centre Pilot Mound: March 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kinsmen Hall Niverville: March 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Niverville Heritage Centre Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority Gimli: March 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Gimli Recreation Centre Beausejour: March 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Brokenhead River Recreation Centre Pine Falls: March 17, 1 to 6 p.m., Pine Falls Primary Health Complex Ashern: March 18, 1 to 6 p.m., Ashern Centennial Hall Teulon: March 23, 1 to 6 p.m., Anglican Parish Hall Eriksdale: March 25, 1 to 6 p.m., Eriksdale Recreation Centre St. Laurent: March 25, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Laurent Recreation Centre Pinawa: March 26, 1 to 6 p.m., Pinawa Alliance Church Prairie Mountain Health Dauphin: March 18, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. and March 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ukrainian Orthodox Hall Swan River: March 24, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. and March 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Swan River Veteran’s Hall …2/
-2Northern Regional Health Authority Flin Flon: March 19 and 26, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Flin Flon Community Hall The Pas: March 24 and March 31, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Roy H. Johnston Arena
More Vaccine Options Available For Eligible Manitobans At Pop-Up Clinics, Medical Clinics, Pharmacies
(March 10, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) As more vaccine arrives in Manitoba,
the province is opening pop-up clinics in rural and northern communities, and is beginning to distribute vaccine to medical clinics and pharmacies, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced. “The Vaccine Implementation Task Force has been working with key stakeholders to plan for vaccine distribution on a wider scale as deliveries increase,” said Stefanson. “Now that we are finally receiving a regular, consistent supply of the vaccines, we’re able to expand how we deliver it to make it easier for more eligible people across the province to get vaccinated quickly.” Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites are launching in rural and northern Manitoba communities, beginning next week. People who are currently eligible for the vaccine at a super site can now make an appointment at a site in a community close to them to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Starting March 11, appointments can be made by calling the vaccine call centre (toll-free) at 1844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. People are asked to have their health card ready when they call. “When people call to make an appointment, they will be told if there is a pop-up clinic available and the call centre will work with them to find a clinic close to home,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “We are committed to creating
opportunities for people to be immunized as soon as possible, by making it convenient. Our plans for pop-up sites will continue in the weeks ahead, as long as we have supply, to bring the vaccine closer to more Manitobans.” Clinics will be in communities for one or two days to immunize as many people as possible. The current schedule is at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine, and updates will be posted regularly as new clinics are scheduled and appointments are available. “I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines are safe, effective and will protect you and the people you love,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “Once people get the vaccine, it is important to continue to follow public health measures, because we do not yet know whether or not COVID-19 may still be able to spread to others even if you have been vaccinated and do not get sick.” Botha noted the province is now piloting the distribution of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine to medical clinics and pharmacies. A total of 18,000 doses of Covishield have been delivered to the province this week, and will be allocated to some participating pharmacies and clinics. Individuals aged 50 to 64 and First Nations people aged 30 to 64 will be the first group eligible to receive the vaccine. People with highrisk conditions (as determined by their doctor or pharmacist) will be prioritized, along with those who meet the age criteria and meet the eligibility criteria set out by the province.
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More Vaccine Options Available For Eligible Manitobans At Pop-Up Clinics, Medical Clinics, Pharmacies Reimer noted guidance has been developed for physicians and pharmacists who are providing the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine. To view the lists of high-risk conditions, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. “We know those with high-risk conditions are more likely to experience serious illness related to COVID-19 requiring hospitalization or leading to death,” said Reimer. “This guidance will help physicians and pharmacists provide the vaccine to those most at risk and ensure they are protected as soon as possible.” As the current supply of the vaccine is limited, many of the physician clinics and pharmacies will directly schedule immunizations for patients who meet eligibility criteria for this first round. Some clinics and pharmacies will accept phone calls from other eligible individuals aged 50 to 64 with one of the high-risk conditions set out by the province. An online map has been developed to help people find out where they can access the AstraZeneca/Covishield COVID-19 vaccine including which locations are accepting phone calls to book. To view the map, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/partners/i ndex.html.
Reimer also noted that anyone who has already received a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines must use the same product for their second dose and should not receive the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.
2021 ANNUAL T.K. CHEUNG LECTURE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
HANDLING CATTLE, PIGS, AND SHEEP AT MEAT PLANTS PRESENTED BY DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Via Zoom - Register at bit.ly/cheung2021 or email chengbo.yang@umanitoba.ca Dr. Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and she has been a pioneer in improving the handling and welfare of farm animals. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Temple’s achievements are remarkable because she was an autistic child. At age two she had no speech and all the signs of severe autism. Many hours of speech therapy, and intensive teaching enabled Temple to learn speech. As a teenager, life was hard with constant teasing. Mentoring by her high school science teacher and her aunt on her ranch in Arizona motivated Temple to study and pursue a career as a scientist and livestock equipment designer. Dr. Temple Grandin obtained her B.A. at Franklin Pierce College in 1970. In 1974 she was employed as Livestock Editor for the Arizona Farmer Ranchman and also worked for Corral Industries on equipment design. In 1975 she earned her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University for her work on the behavior of cattle in different squeeze chutes. Dr. Grandin was awarded her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989 and is currently a Professor at Colorado State University. She has done extensive work on the design of handling facilities. Half the cattle in the U.S. and Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. Other professional activities include developing animal welfare guidelines for the meat industry and consulting with companies on animal welfare. (See Dr. Grandin’s complete bio at bit.ly/cheung2021). This annual lecture recognizes and honours Dr. Tsang Kay (Stan) Cheung’s enduring support for the Department of Animal Science and agricultural research at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cheung obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the U of M. His graduate training was in Animal Breeding/Genetics under the supervision of the late Dr. Bob Parker. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws from the U of M in 1991. Dr. Cheung returned to his family business in Hong Kong in 1975 and is currently the Executive Chairman/Director of Herald Holdings Ltd. Dr. Cheung’s many contributions include support of the TK Cheung Center for Animal Science Research, the National Center for Livestock and the Environment, the TK Cheung Reading Room and recent contributions to education and research in Animal Science. In recognition of his generosity and commitment to education and research, the Department established this annual seminar in his honour.
Province Advises Zebra Mussels Have Been Found In Moss Balls Sold For Aquarium and Water Garden Use its partners in neighbouring jurisdictions, and swift action and collaboration from retailers across Western Canada, moss or algal balls are being removed from the supply chain, ensuring that potentially contaminated products are no longer available for distribution or purchase.
(March 10, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agriculture and Resource
Development advises that zebra mussels have been detected in a variety of moss and algal ball products for aquariums or water gardens sold in Western Canada. These products are sold individually or in packages, and are a popular ornamental plant that are also kept with betta fish. In Manitoba, zebra mussels are designated as an aquatic invasive species (AIS) and are prohibited. Zebra mussels have been found at all life stages, including some that are extremely small (size of grain of sand), and are often found inside the moss or algal ball itself. This makes it difficult to detect whether your moss or algal ball is infected simply by visual inspection. Due to this risk, Manitoba is asking the public to remove and treat all moss or algal balls in their possession that were purchased after Jan. 1, 2021. A process to treat and dispose of moss or algal balls safely and treat the aquarium contents (e.g., water, décor etc.) can be found below. Thanks to a well co-ordinated effort across Western Canada between the department and
Steps to safely treat and dispose of moss or algal balls are as follows: • Step 1: Treat the moss or algal balls: − - place into a plastic bag, seal and freeze (preferably in a deep freezer) for at least 24 hours; or − - place in boiling water for at least one minute and then let cool. • Step 2: Dispose of moss or algal balls: − - place it and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag and dispose in household garbage. To prevent zebra mussels from getting into water bodies, do not dispose of the moss, algal ball or any aquarium or water-garden contents (e.g., substrate, plants etc.): • by flushing down the toilet, • by putting down drain, or • in a compost. After moss or algal balls have been removed from an aquarium, do not dispose of untreated water down the drain or into any residential water system or waterbody. If you have questions, or if you think you have found a zebra mussel, contact Manitoba’s AIS Unit by email at AIS@gov.mb.ca or by calling 1877-867-2470 (toll free). To learn more about zebra mussels, visit www.manitoba.ca/StopAIS.
Province Reminds Manitobans of Farmland School Tax Rebate Deadline (March 3, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agricultural and Resource Development is
advising Manitoba landowners the deadline to apply for the Farmland School Tax Rebate (FSTR) is March 31. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) administers the program on behalf of the department. Residents of Manitoba who own farmland, to which school taxes apply, are eligible to apply for a rebate of up to 80 per cent on paid 2020 farmland school taxes (excluding farm residences and buildings) with a $5,000 limit per taxpayer (including all related people). Property taxes and any penalties or interest charges for 2020 must be paid in full on or before March 31 to be eligible for the rebate. The FSTR application must also be received by MASC on or before March 31. Landowners who applied for a rebate in 2019 would have received an application package from MASC regarding the Farmland School Tax Rebate in the mail last October. MASC is encouraging applicants to submit their applications online through the myMASC portal. For instructions on how to apply for the rebate or to set up a myMASC account, visit www.masc.mb.ca/fstr. Application inquiries can be directed to fstr@masc.mb.ca or 204-726-7068.
Government of Canada announces next step in creation of domestic carbon offset to further support clean growth Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System – Proposed Regulations (March 5, 2021 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) The Minister of
Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, today announced draft regulations to establish the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs. The Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System is a market-based approach that will spur innovation and private-sector investment in economic activities that lead to further emissions reductions. It will also help Canadian industry remain competitive. The system will support a domestic carbon trading market under Canada’s carbon price for industry – the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) – under which regulated facilities who exceed their emission limits can provide compensation by purchasing federal offset credits – an additional lower-cost option – generated from activities not already incentivized by carbon pollution pricing. Once established, the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System will stimulate demand for projects across Canada that reduce greenhouse gases and generate federal offset credits. The ability to generate and sell federal offset credits creates opportunities for farmers, foresters, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other project developers to earn revenues from greenhouse-gas reductions and removals.
Protocols for high priority project types are currently under development in parallel to the regulation to give industries additional lowercost compliance options. For example, under the Landfill Methane Management Protocol, which is currently under development, a municipality could install technology to collect methane that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The municipality could earn federal offset credits, which it could sell to industrial facilities regulated under the OutputBased Pricing System. While the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System will be enabled through regulation, participation in the program is fully voluntary. The Government of Canada will continue to engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, and stakeholders, in the development of the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System to ensure that the Government enacts the best regulations that work for Canadians. Quotes “The Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System is another tool we’re using to combat climate change and create a cleaner, healthier future. This system will encourage cost-effective emissions reductions right here in Canada and create new economic opportunities, particularly in the forestry, agriculture, and waste sectors.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change “The development of the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System will mean farmers can be recognized and rewarded for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions on their farms by
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Government of Canada announces next step in creation of domestic carbon offset to further support clean growth implementing practices that improve the carbon sequestered in their soil. This is part of our larger strategy, which also includes over $350 million in new agro-environmental programs and a commitment to offer further rebates for on farm fuels, beyond the existing exemptions. Our government will continue working in partnership with farmers to ensure that they remain competitive and that our water, air, and soil are sustainable for generations to come.” – The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Backgrounder As one of the commitments in the Government of Canada’s strengthened climate plan A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government is developing a Federal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offset System under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA). This system has been built on the recommendations in the Pan-Canadian Offset Framework (PDF) for the design of offset systems agreed to by the Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment and published in October 2019. The Federal GHG Offset System will encourage voluntary project activities across Canada that reduce GHG emissions or remove them from the atmosphere by allowing the generation of offset credits. These credits can be used by industries regulated under the federal Output-Based Pricing System as a way to meet their compliance obligations and help reduce the overall cost of compliance. The Federal GHG Offset system will create further incentives to reduce emissions and will generate additional economic opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, forestry and waste.
Under the Output-Based Pricing System, when facilities exceed their emissions limits, they may provide compensation through one or a combination of the following: •
paying an excess emissions charge; or,
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remitting surplus credits, federal offset credits, or recognized units (eligible provincial offset credits).
Each GHG offset credit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide (or equivalent) reductions, or removal enhancements. Offset project activities must be in addition to what would have occurred anyway. That is, in order for the project to generate offset credits under the Federal GHG Offset System, project activities must result in GHG reductions or removals that go beyond business-as-usual practices and legal requirements, and must not already be incentivized by carbon pollution pricing. For projects that involve biological sequestration, monitoring and reporting must continue for 100 years after credits have been issued to ensure the permanence of GHG reductions. Businesses and governments across Canada are also increasingly adopting carbon-neutral or net-zero commitments to reduce emissions. This may generate additional demand for federal offset credits. Federal offset protocols To be eligible to generate offset credits, all projects will be required to achieve real, additional, quantified, verified, unique, and permanent GHG reductions or removals by
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Government of Canada announces next step in creation of domestic carbon offset to further support clean growth following an approved federal GHG offset protocol. Federal offset protocols will set out a consistent and approved approach for quantifying GHG reductions or removals for a given project type. A protocol also sets out requirements for project implementation, including setting project baselines, monitoring permanence, and risk management, minimizing leakage and data management that must be followed by a project proponent when implementing an offset project. Example of an offset project: Landfill methane management Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. A federal Landfill Methane Management Protocol is under development that would enable generation of offset credits from projects that reduce methane emissions from open or closed landfill sites. Following this protocol, once it is in place, a municipality with a closed landfill site that is not regulated could, for example, install gas collection wells and measurement devices to collect methane that was previously emitted into the atmosphere and convert it to carbon dioxide. The municipality would earn federal offset credits equivalent to the total amount of GHG emissions reduced and could sell these credits to industrial facilities regulated under the federal Output Based Pricing System to help them comply with their annual emissions limit.1 GHG reduction or removal activities can generate offset credits once an offset project is
registered in the federal offset system. Before credits are issued, an offset project report must be submitted to Environment and Climate Change Canada and be independently verified to confirm that GHG reductions or removals have been quantified in accordance with the protocol, and that regulatory requirements were met. For project types that involve carbon sequestration, the federal offset protocol will specify requirements for monitoring and mitigating permanence risk of the GHG removals. The first federal offset protocols being developed are: •
Advanced Refrigeration Systems;
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Improved Forest Management;
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Landfill Methane Management; and,
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Enhanced Soil Organic Carbon.
As the initial protocols are completed, work on new protocols will begin. Subsequent project types under consideration for federal offset protocol development include Aerobic Composting, Afforestation/Reforestation, Livestock Feed Management and Avoided Conversion of Forests. Opportunities for the Agriculture Sector Environment and Climate Change Canada recognizes the important role Canadian farms have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through implementation of conservation activities or adopting new management practices or technologies.
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Government of Canada announces next step in creation of domestic carbon offset to further support clean growth The proposed Enhanced Soil Organic Carbon protocol aligns with increased interest in potential climate benefits from the adoption of regenerative agriculture land-management practices that go above and beyond business as usual. Farmers who reduce or remove GHG emissions through regenerative agriculture practices carried out in accordance with the protocol may be able to generate offset credits which can then be sold, providing a financial incentive. The specific practices that can generate offset credits will be determined during the protocol development process. A technical expert team will be established to provide advice on the latest science related to regenerative farming practices and members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on draft protocols as a part of the protocol development process. Another agriculture-related federal offset protocol that is under consideration for development is Livestock Feed Management. Depending on the results of further analysis and pilot projects, protocols for Avoided Conversion of Grasslands, Reduced Nitrogen Oxide Emissions from Agriculture Fertilizer and Livestock Manure Management may also be considered. These would provide a range of options for generating federal offset credits for on-farm sustainable practices and activities that achieve real, additional, quantified, verified, unique, and permanent reductions and removals of greenhouse gas emissions. Environment and Climate Change Canada will also consider developing protocols for additional project types in the future as more information or data becomes available and as their potential evolves.
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The Landfill Methane Management protocol is in the early stages of development.
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GHG reductions are measured against the baseline scenario where no landfill gas capture occurs and methane is released into the atmosphere.
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This project is only eligible provided there are no regulatory requirements in place.
Associated links •
Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System
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A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy
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Output-Based Pricing System
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List of Recognized Offset Programs and Protocols for the Federal OBPS
Census Jobs
Emplois au recensement
Statistics Canada is hiring in your community!
Statistique Canada embauche dans votre collectivité!
• Schools, housing, and health and emergency services are all planned using census data. • We are hiring approximately 32,000 census employees to count every person in Canada. • In the current context of COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our employees at all times. • Help your community to plan for the future—apply now!
PR-020-21
• La planification des écoles, du logement ainsi que des services de santé et d’urgence se fait au moyen des données du recensement. • Nous embauchons environ 32 000 personnes dans le cadre du recensement en vue de dénombrer toutes les personnes au Canada. • Dans le contexte actuel de la COVID-19, nous nous engageons à assurer la sécurité de nos employés en tout temps. • Aidez votre collectivité à planifier l’avenir : postulez dès maintenant!
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: • Pay rates vary by position from $17.83 to $21.77 per hour, plus authorized expenses. • Start and end dates vary by position and location, but are between March and July 2021. • You must be available to work flexible hours, mainly during evenings and weekends.
Apply now/Tell a friend
www.census.gc.ca
TTY (a telecommunications device for deaf persons): 1-833-830-3109
RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS : • Le taux de rémunération varie entre 17,83 $ de 21,77 $ l’heure selon le poste, en plus des dépenses admissibles. • Les dates de début et de fin d’emploi varient selon le poste et le lieu de travail, mais se situent dans la période allant de mars à juillet 2021. • Vous devez être disponible pour travailler selon un horaire flexible, principalement le soir et la fin de semaine.
Postulez dès maintenant et parlez-en à un ami
www.recensement.gc.ca
ATS (appareil de télécommunication pour personnes sourdes) : 1-833-830-3109
Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management. Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you. StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.