Provincial and federal governments ponder ruling against green energy content rules Thursday, May 9, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Canada must soon outline how it will comply with a Dec. 2012 world trade body ruling that Ontario’s domestic content rules for solar and wind energy projects discriminate against imports, the European Commission says. A news release from the commission notes Canadian authorities will have less than two months from May 6 to come up with a plan. May 6 was the date the World Trade Organization Appellate Body dismissed Canada’s appeal of the earlier ruling. Ontario Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli says by email that they’re reviewing the appellate body’s ruling “in consultation with the federal government. I’ll let that process continue before we determine our next steps.” He adds that the province is still committed to clean, renewable energy. “Our renewable energy sector has already created more than 31,000 jobs and leveraged billions of dollars in investment. I am confident that Ontario will continue to be a global leader in the clean energy sector.” The federal government also confirmed it was reviewing the ruling with the province. “As this is the first time Canada has received a WTO panel ruling arising solely from provincial policy or legislation, we will work with the Ontario government in order to respond to the decision,” Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Caitlin Workman says by email. Meanwhile, one of the challengers to Ontario’s rules, the European Union, welcomed the appellate body’s ruling. The decision “confirms the EU’s claim that the discriminatory conditions in the support scheme for wind and solar power introduced by Ontario are in breach of WTO rules,” the European Commission says in a May 6 prepared statement posted on its website. Japan also challenged Ontario’s rules, which requires applicants to the feed-in-tariff programs to have 60 per cent domestic content for solar power generators and 60 per cent for on-shore wind power generators to get contracts. Both regions took their challenge to the WTO in August 2011. In December 2012, a WTO Dispute Settlement Panel concluded Ontario’s program discriminates against imports and is inconsistent with WTO rules. Canada appealed on Feb. 5 but on May 6 the WTO appellate body dismissed Canada’s appeal and upheld the dispute settlement panel’s decision. The commission’s statement says under WTO rules the organization’s Dispute Settlement Body will adopt the appellate body’s report within 30 days of May 6. “Canada should present during the following month its plan for implementing the ruling.” EU trade spokesman John Clancy says in the statement that the ruling “is good news for everyone caring about clean energy and the environment: it has been made clear that the use of quality, cost-effective technologies should not be hampered by protectionist measures.” The commission says the EU is a significant producer and exporter of wind and photovoltaic power and its exports to Canada could be much higher if measures promoting the use of domestic equipment are axed. Representatives for the Canadian Solar Industries Association, an Ottawa-based trade association for solar manufacturers, installers, resellers and consultants, couldn’t be reached for comment. BF University of Guelph among top 50 in international agricultural program rankings Sarnia-Lambton MPP tries again to create a tax break for farmers who donate food
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online