Ag sector remains strong despite pandemic
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/01/2021 (856 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
January each year kicks off with farm shows and farm meetings, including St. Jean Farm Days and Brandon Ag Days.
Of course, this year everything is different with “virtual” meetings, colourful brochures and websites. The agricultural sector of our economy has remained strong despite the pandemic. Grain prices are strong; grain movement is unprecedented; and livestock movement and prices have improved.
Agriculture is the backbone of our Manitoba economy and this strength will help Manitoba recover from the economic effects of the pandemic. Thank a farmer for the food on your plate.
The Department of Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) is modernizing its service delivery. We have restructured the department to streamline service delivery and provide better co-ordination between all facets of our natural resources.
A one-stop shop for permits and licenses, a climate change division to monitor impacts on our natural resources, and an Indigenous relations division, are some highlights of the changes.
Service delivery to our rural clients across Manitoba will be modernized to better reflect both today’s and future requirements for technology, research and innovation needs, with an emphasis on timely client service. Food processing, agricultural technology and research and expansion of our mining and forestry industries continues to be of major focus.
Our fish and wildlife division will also see changes with conservation officers being moved into ARD from the Department of Conservation and Climate. Enforcement of illegal night hunting and surveillance in conservation areas has been stepped up. Moving COs into the department will allow for a more co-ordinated effort between the fish and wildlife division and our COs. A big thank you to our COs for the enhanced enforcement which can be dangerous work at times.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all aspects of our lives. Code red restrictions through November, December and January have been hard on everyone but we can see the positive difference it has made in Manitoba’s case numbers. The impact on mental health is real. Do not hesitate to reach out for help at www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/crisis.html
A gradual, phased-in return of services is the goal. In this new environment, many people have taken up outdoor exercise, phoning or FaceTiming loved ones, or being designated visitors to friends or family members. Manitobans are resilient and together we will get through this.
The legislative session resumes on March 3.
Blaine Pedersen
Midland constituency report
Blaine Pedersen is the PC MLA for Midland.