Friday, January 22, 2016

Farmers complain about regulations

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 76 per cent of the farmers it surveyed say government regulations and paper work are a serious concern for their businesses.

That’s seven per cent more than businesses in other sectors.

The CFIB says it’s also the fifth straight year that more farmers than other businessmen complained about red tape.

The Federation’s Marilyn Braun-Pollon said as an example that farmers complain that Statistics Canada’s surveys arrive in the middle of their busiest time of the year, spring seeding.

She is, however, pleased that the 2016 Census of Agriculture is moving online.


The CFIB said farmers are looking to expand their operations and implement innovative technologies and practices, so governments need to ensure they’re not being held back by out-dated, redundant and confusing regulations.