Minister Gets Feedback

By Beach Radio

Mar 11, 2019 | 4:13 PM

The federal agriculture minister will take a lot of input back to Ottawa after her visit to Vernon.

Marie-Claude Bibeau took part in a roundtable discussion Monday with local food producers, processors and government reps, an event hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce at Okanagan Spirits.

One of the concerns was a lack of labour.

Sukhpaul Bal, president of the B.C. Cherry Association, would like Ottawa to allow growers to hire people visiting the Okanagan on a tourist visa.

“There are a lot of people who want to work here for the short fruit season, but don’t have the (work) visa,” said Bal.

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Local producers are also concerned about Canada’s trade relationship with China, particularly because 75 per cent of B.C.’s cherry exports go to China (not including the U.S.).

Tony Dyck, founder of Okanagan Spirits, told the minister, small distilleries like his need some help, as an excise tax they’re charged for their product is limiting private sector investment and job creation.

Melissa Dobernigg, owner of The BX Press Cidery, had a similar message.

“Alcohol production is a way to revitalize the family farm and agriculture. It’s a way to add value to culled fruit that no longer has a value,” said Dobernigg.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming urged the feds to help communities address a lack of housing, which is impacting the economy.

“We have the employees but we need the housing,” said Cumming.

Others at the roundtable included the B.C. Fruit Growers Association, 4-H, Salade Excetera and Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP.

“We thank Minister Bibeau for taking the time to stop in Vernon and meet with our members and other stakeholders as a strong and vibrant agricultural sector is critical to the North Okanagan’s economy. The sector has considerable potential for job growth,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager.

“We will continue to lobby the federal government to support that growth, and our Chamber is actively developing policy related to distilleries and the excise tax,” adds Chambers.

Bibeau is a Quebec MP who was named the agriculture minister just last week.

“I’m ready to jump in for the whole country.”Agriculture is a strong industry and contributes to the economy across the country,” she said.

by Beach Radio