E-Newsletter An update from MBP May 28, 2021
mbbeef.ca
Minister Bibeau welcomes recognition that Canada is negligible risk for BSE (May 27, 2021 Canadian Food Inspection Agency News Release)
Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that Canada has been officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) World Assembly of Delegates as a country with negligible risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). By obtaining this recognition, Canada has achieved the most preferred status under the OIE's three tiered categorization system for evaluating BSE risk. Minister Bibeau is marking the occasion today by speaking directly with past and current presidents of the Canadian Cattlemen Association, Stan Eby and Bob Lowe, who have been working with the Government of Canada since BSE was first detected in 2003, to achieve this most preferred status. Minister Bibeau will also be participating in calls with producers from across the country to emphasize that Canada has a strong, safe, respected beef production and processing system and a robust animal disease control system, which contribute to the national economy. By achieving and maintaining negligible risk status for BSE, Canada enhances its negotiation position in efforts to gain
access to additional export markets for Canadian cattle, beef and beef products among countries that require products to originate from countries with negligible BSE risk status. A large number of Canada's major export markets have already approved all Canadian beef based on Canada's previous controlled risk status. The Government of Canada will continue its work with the Canadian industry to prioritize outreach to trading partners requiring negligible BSE risk status among other requirements. Canada will inform those trading partners of Canada's BSE negligible risk status and will undertake immediate work to support expanded global market access for Canada's high-quality cattle, beef and beef products. The CFIA worked closely with provinces and the beef industry to put forward a strong application to the OIE. These efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcome for Canada. The CFIA will continue to work with the cattle and beef sectors, provinces and territories to maintain the negligible risk status through continued efforts in preventing and controlling the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases. story continues on pages 3-5
additional reaction from Manitoba Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association on pages 7-9
For reliable information and resources please visit:
World body says Canadian beef officially poses ‘negligible risk’ for mad cow disease - Global News How to get drones into fields, doing useful work - Manitoba Co-operator
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Negligible risk status Quotes "Obtaining the "negligible risk" status from the OIE confirms that Canada's beef production system is sound, safe and respected. This will allow our beef and other cattle producers to expand their export markets and to develop their businesses". – The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "This is a great day for beef producers across the country, many of whom remember the devastation caused by BSE when it first emerged in Canada over 15 years ago. With this recognition, Canada is positioned to negotiate greater access to international export markets for our top-quality beef products. I applaud everyone from industry and within the Government of Canada for the role they played in making this happen. We will always stand up for Canadian beef exporters and the workers whose jobs they support." – The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade "As of today, Canada is now part of the list of OIE Members recognized as having a negligible bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk in accordance with the Terrestrial Code. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) would like to congratulate Canada, as well as other countries who received an official OIE animal health status, on their achievements." – Dr. Monique Eloit, Director General, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) "With the OIE's decision to grant Canada Negligible Risk Status for BSE, today marks the historic closing of the BSE era. We thank everyone involved in helping us attain this status including the Government of Canada, veterinarians across Canada and Canadian farmers and ranchers. We also thank Canadian consumers who supported Canada's
beef industry during the hardest times of BSE when Canadian beef couldn't be exported." – Bob Lowe, President, Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) "As past president of the CCA, I witnessed the economic hardships beef producers felt, due to the BSE crisis. It was devastating to see so many producers leave the industry due to the crisis. Today brings a new chapter, with new economic opportunities for beef producers and the next generation." – Stan Eby, Past President (2004-2006), Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) "The negligible BSE-risk status is an important step to help Canada secure and negotiate access to those countries have that have been holding out for Canadian beef products. CMC would like to thank AAFC, CFIA and Global Affairs for the hard work leading up to this announcement. This was truly a collaborative effort of industry and government." –Chris White, President, Canadian Meat Council Quick facts •
In 2020, Canada traded 425,109 metric tons of beef to 53 countries, valued at $3.3 billion.
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BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the central nervous system of cattle.
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The OIE is the science-based standardsetting organization at the international level for animal and veterinary public health. It also serves as the scientific reference body for international trade of animals and animal derived products under the Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization.
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Negligible risk status •
The CFIA's Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer, is the OIE Delegate for Canada.
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BSE was first discovered in Canada in a domestic animal in May 2003. The last case of BSE in Canada was February 2015 in a cow born in March 2009.
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Since May 2007, Canada had successfully maintained its OIE controlled risk status for BSE. In July 2020, Canada submitted a dossier seeking recognition as a country presenting a negligible BSE risk status.
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The maintenance of the status granted by the OIE is dependent on the continued observance of OIE standards. Failure to comply provides ground for the OIE to revoke the given status. In March 2017, the OIE evaluated Canada's veterinary services and recognized Canada as a top-performing country for its veterinary services and a leading example in meeting international standards.
Backgrounder: Canada achieving negligible risk status for BSE Recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a negligible-risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a major milestone for Canada and its beef producers. Negligible risk status will support ongoing work between the Government of Canada and cattle and beef industry to explore new market access opportunities. What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)? BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system of cattle. It is what is known as a
transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Other TSEs include scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease in deer and elk, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Although the exact cause of BSE is unknown, it is associated with the presence of an abnormal protein called a prion. There is no treatment or vaccine currently available for the disease. Additional facts about BSE are available on the CFIA website. BSE history in Canada BSE has been a reportable disease in Canada since 1990. In 1993, BSE was found in a beef cow that had been imported from the UK in 1987. Canada's first domestic case of BSE was found in May 2003. Canada's last case, its 19th domestic case, was found in February 2015. CFIA's role in eliminating BSE from Canada BSE has not been detected in Canada since 2015. The CFIA maintains regulatory controls, including surveillance sampling and testing, specified risk material (SRM) controls, livestock identification, and the feed ban to keep the risk of new BSE infections to a negligible level. In infected cattle, BSE concentrates in certain tissues known as SRM. As a public health protection, these tissues are removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. To limit BSE spread among cattle, the Government of Canada banned most proteins, including SRM, from cattle feed in 1997. To provide further animal health protection, as of July 12, 2007, SRM are also banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers. How the OIE evaluates BSE risk In May 2007, the OIE implemented a 3 tiered country categorization system for evaluating BSE risk:
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Negligible risk status •
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Negligible: A country can demonstrate compliance with the recommended safeguards for at least 8 years and classical BSE has never been found in domestic animals younger than 11 years old. Controlled: A country can demonstrate compliance with the recommended safeguards, but not for at least 8 years, and any infected domestic animals born in the previous 11 years have been managed in accordance with OIE guidelines. Undetermined: A country is unable to demonstrate that it meets the requirement of one of the other categories.
Canada's strong submission for a new status Since May 2007, Canada had successfully maintained its OIE controlled risk status for BSE. In May 2021, Canada obtained its OIE negligible risk status for BSE. The Government of Canada worked closely with provinces and industry to put forward a strong application based on data. In July 2020, Canada submitted its application to the OIE to be recognized as a "negligible" risk country for BSE. In March 2021, the OIE Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases concluded that Canada fulfilled the requirements to be recognized as having negligible risk status for BSE. Member countries of the OIE had 60 days to request information about the report and the recommendation. The results of the vote were announced at the World Assembly of OIE
Delegates at the 88th OIE General Session on May 27, 2021. Canada's application to the OIE highlighted Canada's strong BSE control measures, including surveillance sampling and testing, SRM controls, livestock identification and the feed ban. The CFIA will continue to work with the cattle and beef sectors, provinces and territories to maintain the negligible risk status through continued efforts in preventing and controlling the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases. Current market access The majority of Canada's major beef export markets have already approved all Canadian beef based on their science-based recognition of Canada's previous controlled risk status including as follows (value of Canadian beef exports in 2020 as indicated): •
U.S. ($2.5 billion)
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Japan ($305 million)
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Hong Kong ($109 million)
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Vietnam ($41 million)
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Philippines ($5.1 million)
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United Arab Emirates ($3.8 million)
The CFIA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will continue to work collaboratively with Canadian industry to prioritize negotiations with trading partners that include negligible BSE risk status among the requirements for market access.
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Photo credit: Maureen Cousins
MBP thanks all those who have played a role in Canada achieving negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognized Canada as negligible risk for BSE on May 27. This important change will help facilitate expanded Canadian access to foreign markets for various beef products currently limited by BSE-era restrictions. This change was achieved through the collaborative efforts of elected officials and government staff at the federal and provincial levels, as well as farmers, ranchers and veterinarians and others who provided information needed for the OIE to evaluate the change to Canada’s risk status. MBP also wishes to recognize and thank Manitoba and Canadian consumers for their continued support of the beef sector, particularly during the most challenging period of BSE when beef products could not be exported outside Canada. Pictured is a BBQ in support of Manitoba’s beef industry that took place at Portage and Main in Winnipeg in August 2003, one of many similar types of events that were held around the province.
News Release Canada receives negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); allowing for expanded international beef export opportunities May 27, 2021 Calgary, AB – Today marks an important step forward for the Canadian beef industry as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognized Canada as negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). “The recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission to grant Canada negligible risk status for BSE is a historic closing of the BSE era for Canada which brought unprecedent hardship to our industry in the early 2000’s,” said Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) President. CCA worked closely with the Government of Canada to see the application for negligible risk come to fruition. This change in risk status will help facilitate expanded access to foreign markets for various beef products currently limited by BSE era restrictions. The attainment of negligible risk puts Canada at the lowest level of risk for the transmission of BSE alongside the U.S. which attained their status in 2013. The control of BSE across the globe is a remarkable achievement for the membership of the OIE. To achieve negligible risk, a country must demonstrate the last case of classical BSE was born more than 11 years ago and effective control measures and surveillance systems are in place. Canada’s last case was born in 2009. “We thank everyone involved in helping us attain this status including the Government of Canada, veterinarians across Canada and Canadian farmers and ranchers. We also thank Canadian consumers who supported Canada’s beef industry during the hardest times of BSE when Canadian beef couldn’t be exported,” said Lowe. CCA will now focus on the removal of the remaining BSE era market access restrictions as well as the alignment of packing house requirements with international recommendations. The additional requirements placed on Canada’s processing sector because of BSE created a significant economic disadvantage in comparison with others in the international marketplace. Canada’s first case of BSE was discovered in May 2003 and led to international borders closing to Canadian beef, a significant impact as 50 per cent of Canadian beef is exported. Although difficult to fully quantify the direct economic impacts of BSE, between just 2003 and 2006, losses were estimated to be between $4.9 to $5.5 billion. Further indirect costs have continued to be accrued, due to the opportunity costs of continued limited market access and additional processing costs for Canada's packing industry.
The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca
Following the economic hardship from BSE, 26,000 beef producers exited the industry between 2006 and 2011. Along with their exit from the industry, more than 2.22 million acres of pasture lands, and since that time further losses, were converted to other uses marking BSE as both a detrimental economic and environmental event for Canada with rippling impacts still being felt today. For more information, please see the Government of Canada news release here. For further information, 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
COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin: Second-Dose Eligibility appointment. If the youth attends without a guardian and without a signed consent form, they will go through an informed consent process to assess their ability to consent on their own and proceed with the vaccine. Young people aged 16 and 17 can sign their own consent form.
(May 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)
People who received their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on or before April 3 can now book their second-dose appointment. All Indigenous people in Manitoba and individuals with specific health conditions are also eligible to book their second dose, as long as they meet the minimum time interval between doses. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose. Individuals can book online at https://patient.petalmd.com/login?groupId=6032 or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844626-8222). People will need to know the date they received their first dose and the type of vaccine received. If an individual cannot recall this information, it can be found through their immunization record at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/ or by calling their local public health office. A location directory is at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/offices.html. Note that vaccine appointments cannot be booked through public health offices. First-Dose Eligibility All people aged 12 and up are eligible to book their first-dose appointments. Young people aged 12 to 15 can either attend the appointment with a parent, guardian or caregiver, or bring a signed consent form at the time of their
Vaccine Administration Today, a total of 816,984 vaccinations have been administered in Manitoba. This milestone was accomplished with 100,000 doses administered over a record seven-day period. The previous record was 100,000 doses over an eight-day span. Appointments Eligible people can also book appointments at super sites in Gimli, Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (Leila, RBC Convention Centre), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. Pop-up clinics have been scheduled throughout the province in June. A complete listing and searchable map is available online at https://protectmb.ca. See also the listing in this edition of the e-newsletter. Indigenous people can also attend an urban Indigenous clinic led by community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online at https://protectmb.ca, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MANVACC). Additional Information More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter. All data in this bulletin is current as of May 27 unless noted otherwise.
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COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION POP-UP CLINICS
Pop-up clinics have been scheduled throughout the province in June. Clinics run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted beside location. To book an appointment at a pop-up clinic, call (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). Northern Regional Health Authority The Pas – Roy H. Johnston Arena, 523 Smith St., June 2 and 5 Flin Flon – Flin Flon Community Hall, 2 North Ave., June 3, 4, 10, 11 12 and 17 Prairie Mountain Health Killarney – Shamrock Centre, 725 Broadway Ave., June 1, 16 and 29 Deloraine – Winchester Community Hall, 119 Lake St. N, June 3 Neepawa – Yellowhead Centre Hall, 175 Mountain Ave., June 3, 17, 23, 24, 28 and 29 Swan River – Swan River Veterans Hall, 119 Sixth Ave. N, June 3,17, 22, 27, 28 and 29 Russell – George P. Buleziuk Centre, 106 Shell River Ave. S, June 8, 15, 24, 28 and 29 Virden – Tundra Oil & Gas Place 900 Fifth Ave S. June 9, 23 and 28 Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Riverton – Riverton Community Hall, June 2 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) St. Laurent – St. Laurent Rec Centre PTH 6, June 2 Ashern – Ashern Centennial Hall #1 June 3, 15 and 30 (8:30 to 4:30 p.m.) Lundar – Lundar Legion, 50 Third Ave, June 4, 25 and 29 (8:30 to 4:30 p.m.) Beausejour – Brokenhead River Community Hall, 320 Veterans June 10 and 24 Stonewall – Stonewall Legion 459 Main St, June 15 Victoria Beach – Bictoria Beach Senior Centre, Ateah Road, June 16 Pinawa – Pinawa Alliance Church 1 Bessborough Ave., June 16 and 23 Whitemouth – Whitemouth Community Hall First Street, June 17 Teulon –Teulon Anglican Parish Hall, 60 Second St. SE. June 18 and 25 Eriksdale – Eriksdale Recreation Centre, 2 First Ave., June 24 Southern Health – Santé Sud Portage la Prairie – Herman Prior Senior Services Centre, 40 Royal Road Rd. North, June 3, 10, 17, 18,19, 24 and 25 (12:30 to 8:30 p.m.) Morris – Morris Multiplex 380 Stampede Grounds, June 16, 23 and 30 Buffalo Point – Buffalo Point Conference Centre, Point Road June 24
New Strengthened Public Health Orders in Effect Until Saturday, June 12, at 12:01 a.m. (May 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) New, strengthened public health orders are being put in place for the next two weeks to encourage Manitobans to stay at home to reduce COVID-19 transmission rates and to help protect the healthcare system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced.
“Manitobans must stay home as much as possible for the next two weeks so our hospitals and our medical teams have the capacity to care for Manitobans when they need it,” said Pallister. “These measures, which are the most stringent public health orders in the country, are necessary to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives. We need the full participation of all Manitobans for these strict public health measures to work so we can bend our COVID curve back down and get back to doing some of the things we love and miss.” A new set of public health orders start on Saturday, May 29 at 12:01 a.m. and include: • indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted on private property, except in certain circumstances; • requirements for employers to allow employees to work from home as much as possible; • outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are not allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields; • retail businesses may only operate at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children or someone who requires a caregiver; • increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; and • many businesses and organizations will remain
closed for in-person service, including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars, personal service businesses, museums, galleries and libraries. Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools currently learning remotely in the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon, and in the Red River Valley and Garden Valley school divisions, will continue until June 7. Schools in Dauphin will continue remote learning until June 9. Additionally, the chief provincial public health officer will utilize health-hazard orders to close businesses, if necessary, where there are multiple cases and transmission is a risk. The new orders will remain in effect until Saturday, June 12, at 12:01 a.m. For a full listing of the current health orders, all of which will remain in effect: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/index.html. “We are implementing these new, strengthened public health orders because our health system is facing critical pressures that are not sustainable. Manitoba’s ICU numbers and hospitalizations are extremely high and are still expected to climb in this third wave,” said Roussin. “The public health orders outline what we need to do. We need to stay home and work from home if possible, and only go out for essential items when absolutely necessary and do not gather with anyone outside your household. We recognize the next few weeks will be tough, but our health system depends on all Manitobans doing their part.” Roussin noted that ‘doing our part’ includes following the public health orders, getting vaccinated as soon as possible and booking a second-dose appointment when eligible. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
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CHANGES TO MANITOBA PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS The following changes come into effect on Saturday, May 29. Sector Private Residences Indoor Gatherings Outdoor Gatherings
Restaurants and Bars
Gyms and Fitness Centres Casinos and VLTs Museums, Galleries and Libraries Movies Theatres and Concert Halls Weddings and Funerals Community, Cultural and Religious Gatherings Drive-in Services / Events Personal Services Indoor Sports and Recreation Outdoor Sports and Recreation Dance, Theatre and Music Schools
Existing Restrictions Under Red Level as of May 9 No visitors permitted to private residences, with specific exemptions Indoor gatherings not permitted Outdoor gatherings on public property limited to a maximum of five people, including household members. No outdoor gatherings are permitted on private property. Restaurants, bars, patios and seating areas for food courts in malls/shopping centres will close to in-person dining, but sites can provide take-out and delivery services Closed
New Restrictions Under Red Level as of May 29 Restrictions Continue
Casinos and VLTs closed Closed
Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue
Closed
Restrictions Continue
Up to 10 people plus photographer/officiants Closed
Restrictions Continue
Permitted
Restrictions Continue
Closed Closed
Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue
Organized team games are not permitted. Closed
Restrictions Continue
Restrictions Continue Outdoor gatherings not permitted except for household members. Restrictions Continue
Restrictions Continue
Restrictions Continue
Restrictions Continue
Day Camps Retail, Markets, Garden Centres and Malls Workplaces
Closed Open at 10 per cent capacity up to a maximum of 100 people. Mall capacity limit of up to 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity. No restrictions
Self-Help Gatherings
A 10-person maximum
Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue with increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to ensure compliance. Required to allow employees to work from home where possible. Restrictions Continue
Government of Canada to Reimburse SelfEmployed Workers Who Repaid the CERB (May 27, 2021 Canada Revenue Agency News Release) Over the course of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Government of Canada has introduced historic measures to support Canadians, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB helped more than 8 million Canadians pay for things like food and rent when we first asked people to stay home and flatten the curve. The CERB’s eligibility criteria were made as broad and inclusive as possible so that workers who needed support could get it; especially for the self-employed whose income takes different forms. As announced in February, self-employed workers who applied for the CERB and would have qualified based on their gross income are not required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility criteria. Today, the Government of Canada announced further details on how this approach will be applied.
The CRA will review the 2019 and 2020 income tax returns of workers in this situation to verify that these conditions are met. Starting on May 27, 2021, self-employed workers who meet the remission order criteria and who had voluntarily repaid all or part of the CERB to the CRA or Service Canada can request a reimbursement of their payments only from the CRA. These workers can do so by completing the CRA’s CERB Reimbursement Application for Self-Employed Individuals form and submitting it to the CRA electronically or by mail. The CRA will begin processing applications after June 15, 2021. Eligible Canadians who repaid the CERB can expect reimbursements within approximately 90 days of submitting their applications to the CRA. Quick facts •
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit Remission Order grants relief of the collection of certain overpayments and certain payments of the CERB for selfemployed individuals who applied for the CERB and would have qualified based on their gross income. The remission order was approved by the Administrator in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada and Treasury Board on April 30, 2021.
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The remission order for self-employed individuals is published in the Canada Gazette.
Self-employed workers whose net selfemployment income was less than $5,000 and who applied for the CERB will not be required to repay the CERB, as long as: •
They have filed their 2019 and 2020 income tax returns by December 31, 2022;
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Their gross self-employment income was $5,000 or more in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to their initial application; and
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They met all other CERB eligibility criteria.
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Government of Canada to Reimburse SelfEmployed Workers Who Repaid the CERB •
Individuals who have not made a repayment to the CRA or Service Canada and meet the eligibility criteria for the remission order do not need to contact the CRA or Service Canada to confirm that they will not have to repay the CERB.
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The CRA may reassess 2020 income tax returns for individuals who are reimbursed CERB repayments, to reflect the CERB as appropriate. If necessary, the T4A slip or RL-1 slip will be
amended to include the full CERB amount received in 2020 and the income tax return adjusted accordingly. Workers who received the CERB from Service Canada will receive an amended T4E slip, if necessary. •
The application period for the CERB closed on December 2, 2020. Individuals can only be reimbursed for periods that they repaid. Individuals cannot apply for the CERB retroactively.
Please note that census collection is still ongoing, and that it's not too late to complete your questionnaire. Count yourself into Canada's statistical portrait!
Province Advises of Information Available for Agricultural Producers Affected by Spring Frost Event www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/farmmanagement/productioneconomics/pubs/calculator-crop-reseed.xls. (May 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)
Recent frost events may have impacted Manitoba farmers and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) has several resources available for producers to assist in their response. It is important to note that frost damage assessments cannot be made until several days after the event. Producers must be able to determine if new growth is occurring from damaged plants. It is recommended that producers and agronomists wait 24 to 48 hours after a frost event before assessing frost damage. Then, revisit the same sites again three to four days after initial frost to further assess the damage and evaluate the plant stand. Before making a decision to destroy the crop, allow sufficient time for the crop to recover and potentially resume growth (at least four to five days). Note that Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) seeding deadlines for the majority of sensitive crops like canola extend into mid-June. More information is online at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/crop_seeding_dead lines.html. If after waiting a sufficient amount of time for the crop to recover and producers are considering reseeding, use ARD’s reseeding calculator, which uses MASC’s data, to help make a decision at
Producers must contact MASC before destroying the crop or reseeding. Information on frost damage and various crop tolerances are found at: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/crops/cropmanagement/spring-frost-damagebulletin.html. Weather maps, including special frost maps, are available at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/weatherconditions-and-reports.html; and www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/currentweather-viewer.html. As well, the latest Crop Report references a number of articles and resources related to frost: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonalreports/crop-report-archive/index.html. Producers can get more detailed information on how crops are affected by frost at: https://gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonalreports/current-crop-topics.html and information on MASC’s programs and services at www.masc.mb.ca. Producers concerned with frost damage can contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre (tollfree) at 1-844-769-6224 or by email info@masc.mb.ca. Contact information for the service centres is available at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html.
Manitoba Launches Agri-Plastics Stewardship Program arrange for pickup, transportation and recycling of these materials from the collection sites.
(May 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)
“The agricultural sector understands the importance of respecting the environment as well as any industry and we expect this program will make a significant difference,” said Pedersen. “Reducing the amount of plastic destined for our landfills is critical and we are confident that producers will support this effort.”
Manitoba will become the second Canadian jurisdiction with a provincially regulated agricultural plastics stewardship program and the first to include multiple designated materials, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.
Cleanfarms aims to capitalize on industry enthusiasm to launch the program that, like other stewardship programs, will be industry funded at no cost to the province, the ministers said. Like many other stewardship programs in Manitoba, this initiative will be supported through environmental handling fees included in the sale prices of program materials.
“We are pleased to announce that Cleanfarms Inc. has established another important stewardship program to take responsibility for recycling products and materials produced by its industry members,” said Guillemard. “This program will contribute to the recycling of plastic waste, which is a priority for all Canadian jurisdictions.”
Earlier this year, the Manitoba Sharps Collection Program was launched by the Health Products Stewardship Association. It allows Manitobans to dispose safely of items such as lancets used to prick skin for diabetes testing, needles and auto-injection devices such as EpiPens through the free distribution of specially designed sharps containers at pharmacies. These new programs build on the strong foundation of Manitoba’s commitment to recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility program, Guillemard noted, adding that Manitoba remains one of the leading Canadian jurisdictions with 12 producer responsibility programs covering items such as household hazardous waste, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tires.
Cleanfarms Inc. will operate the stewardship program on behalf of the agricultural industry and manage the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics. Manitoba producers will be able to drop off used grain bags and plastic baler twine at designated collection sites throughout the province without paying user fees at the points of collection. Cleanfarms will
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS
SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year. Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy. Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021. The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021. • Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce. • Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration. Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study). • A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers. Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.
MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what are their names? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ______________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)
Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country. Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264
Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:
AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.
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the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year
Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.
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the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021
You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.
AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.
Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit. For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.
Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend. EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is
valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140. No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.
A digital version of the paper is available here!