The Canadian Cattle Youth Council participated in its seventh annual fly-in meetings in Ottawa last week ahead of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) Annual General Meeting.
On March 18, 2024, young beef producer delegates from across Canada highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of Canada's beef industry through thoughtful discussions with various Mambers of Parlimament and officials.
Some of those key priorities included highlighting the Youth Council's Budget 2024 recommendations such as keeping the Advanced Payments Program interested free portion of the loan at its current level of $350,000, and ammending the Livestock Tax Deferal provision in the Income Tax Act to give producers the ability to self-elect and expand the provision to include all classes of cattle.
Young producers also spoke to the importance of strong trade agreeements to build a sustainable and profitable industry for generations to come, and how Bill C-282 and concerns with the UK joining the CPTPP creates trade uncertainty for young producers as they look to grow their operations.
Finally, the fly-in meetings also served as an excellent opportuntiy for the next generation to showcase their passion for the land and important ecosystems under their care, and the stewardship practices used on their operations to ensure the environmental sustainability of their farms and ranches for generations to come.
A highlight for delegates was attending Question Period, where Kings-Hants MP, Kody Blois, delivered special remarks to recognize the Youth Council and their contributions to environmental sustainability. Watch the full comments below.