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Originally published February 2001
MCPA resolutions focus on disasters, crown lands and wildlife
By: Debbie Hysop
A revamped disaster assistance program, crown lands and wildlife issues were at the top of the list of debated resolutions at the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association (MCPA) annual general meeting last month in Brandon.
First on the list of resolutions from the year’s district meetings was a move to have the MCPA lobby both the federal and provincial governments to develop a financial disaster assistance program that addresses the needs of agriculture.
The resolution, submitted by District 6, said the present disaster assistance program does not clearly define support to agriculture, including details such as the maintenance and care for lost livestock and inputs. Director at large Marlin Beever spoke on the motion, saying “Let’s put it on the table to them…every year there’s a need for designated dollars instead of fighting for it every time, let’s get something in place.” The resolution passed.
Crown land issues were also at the forefront, with three separate resolutions dealing with those concerns. First on the floor was a resolution for the MCPA to establish a committee to deal exclusively with crown land issues and that one delegate on the committee be appointed whose livelihood depends heavily on the crown land. It further urged that the committee meet with the crown lands branch on a regular basis to keep on top of developments that may be of concern to leaseholders.
“This is a very important issue to a lot of ranchers. I think it’s very important for the MCPA to keep on top of issues arising from the crown lands department. We don’t need any surprises,” said Mark Emilson.
The second crown lands related resolution asked that the association lobby the provincial government to provide producers with an opportunity to comment on issues related to crown lands currently accessed by Louisiana Pacific. The resolution passed.
The next crown lands related resolution asked that the MCPA continue to lobby the crown lands department to maintain rates as of January 2000. It did not pass.
Wildlife was also on the program. A pair of resolutions dealt with elk in Spruce Woods. One asked that the MCPA lobby the government to test the herd for tuberculosis. The other asked that Manitoba Conservation be lobbied to increase the number of elk tags issues in the area. MCPA director Clair De’Athe asked that the landowner elk season precede the general season rather than follow it.
“Herd numbers are up dramatically and there’s the problem of elk depredation and the TB threat,” she noted. “We want more removed through hunting. We’re the stewards of the herd because the animals are on our land and we think we should be able to hunt at the same time as or before regular hunters.” The resolution was passed.