Endangered Species Act change approved for further study Saturday, May 12, 2012 by SUSAN MANN A private member’s bill that would make it mandatory for the Natural Resources Ministry to consider social and economic factors as part of species recovery strategies squeaked through second reading Thursday. Proposed by Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Bill 73 passed by just one vote - the tally was 30 in favour, 29 opposed. The proposal has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy for further study. No date has been set yet for committee hearings on the proposal that would amend the Endangered Species Act. “I’ll take the win,” Scott says of her proposed bill narrowly winning approval. As part of considering social and economic factors in species recovery and habitat protection strategies, Scott says that should include a cost-benefit analysis including job losses and the loss of land use. Scott, the Progressive Conservative natural resources critic, says she has heard repeated stories of people being afraid to report a discovery of an endangered species because of punitive restrictions that could be imposed on them. The current Endangered Species Act isn’t working for endangered species or landowners, she notes. Scott says she hopes the committee will hold public hearings as they discuss her amendment “and they need to travel outside Toronto. This is predominately a rural issue.” BF Feds eye tender fruit damage Different policies for different sized farms?
Ont. farmer Tony McQuail reflects on NDP leadership race Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Huron County farmer Tony McQuail is back at Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow after vying to replace Jagmeet Singh as the leader of the federal NDP. “It was a very hopeful and positive experience for me,” he told Farms.com. “I was very pleased with what we were able to bring to the... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Monday, March 30, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Rural Canada Is an Economic Powerhouse that Policymakers Need to Build Upon Monday, March 30, 2026 Rural Canada is a far bigger driver of the national economy than many policymakers realize, and leaders say the time has come to place a rural lens at the centre of public policy decision-making. That message was front and centre during the Coalition for a Better Future’s Scorecard... Read this article online
Spring Swine Events Across Canada that are Not to be Missed Monday, March 30, 2026 It’s a sure sign of Spring, several swine events will be taking place over the next few months. Between April and June 2026, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will all host significant swine-focused events, ranging from producer AGMs and pork quality competitions to large-scale... Read this article online
Boosting Wheat Production with Better Nitrogen Use Monday, March 30, 2026 A University of Guelph research team is pioneering new ways to grow wheat more sustainably by improving nitrogen efficiency and supporting soil health. Dr. Kari Dunfield, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the Ontario Agricultural College, received $3.92 million from the... Read this article online