Epp delivers speech at House of Commons

OTTAWA — Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent Leamington, recently spoke at the House of Commons with respect to Bill C-30, an act to implement certain provisions of the federal budget, tabled in Parliament on April 19.

“In my riding of Chatham-Kent—Leamington, agriculture, agri-food and agri-food processing is a bedrock element of our local economy,” said Epp. “The Canadian agriculture and agri-food system is a key driver of our economy and generates $143 billion, accounts for 7.4% of our GDP, and provides for one in eight jobs, at least in 2018, and more than that this year. “

Epp says that the budget does not include some provisions for up $100 million for rebates from the carbon tax for on-farm natural gas and propane use.

“Farmers in my riding and indeed farmers all across Canada can thank Conservatives for this initiative appearing in the budget. Nevertheless, it is good to see that this issue is acknowledged, and that is a positive,” he said.

Epp went on to say that there is one measure that has the potential to move the needle in the adoption of technology in the ag sector, it’s the expansion of high-speed broadband internet to rural and remote areas.

“While the $1 billion amount announced for the universal broadband fund pales in comparison to other funding promises, it is the increased use of this technology that does have the potential to lower ag greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

Epp pointed out the situation on Pelee Island, where there is no reliable 911 service, and they have no broadband internet available to the public. Internet speed on the island is either dial-up or slow cellular hubs, both regularly interrupted by stormy weather.

“Pelee Island is the very definition of remote, with only boat and air access in summer, in good weather, and only air access in winter, again, in good weather,” he added.

Southwestern Ontario is serviced by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), where 10 per cent of Canada’s underserved broadband area resides.

“Under the government’s previous connect to innovate, CTI program, SWIFT’s share of funding should have amounted to $58.5 million, yet the amount received was zero — not a penny,” he said.

As he touched on inflation, Epp stated that anyone trying to buy a house or even a 2x4 already knows that asset inflation is here and will soon be followed by an inflated Consumer Price Index and with that, higher interest rates.

“Who does this hurt? People who have assets with low debt like this scenario, but for those working for a paycheque, their wages seldom keep up to rising costs,” he added.

For a complete transcript of Mr. Epp’s speech, visit his website at daveepp.ca.