FAIRNESS SASKATCHEWAN'S PRIORITY FOR AG MINISTERS MEETING

Saskatchewan's top priority at the November 3rd Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Ottawa will be urging that federal-provincial cost-sharing for agriculture programs be fair to provincial taxpayers.

"National agriculture programs with federal-provincial cost-sharing must be fair and equitable for both producers and taxpayers," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said.

"The current 60:40 formula fails to recognize the burden placed on taxpayers in those provinces with a large agriculture industry and a small tax base, like Saskatchewan. It is imperative that we address this inequity."

Wartman noted that the cost to fund the provincial portion of the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program is an estimated $155 per person in Saskatchewan, compared to the average per capita payment across Canada of $35 and the federal contribution of $30.

"The fairness and flexibility of agriculture programs, and the sustainability of the Agricultural Policy Framework, are the key messages I intend to deliver to my counterparts at this meeting," Wartman said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031