Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader has sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging some financial help for farmers facing steep grain drying bills. Ryan Meili explains it has been a challenging year because of a very wet fall, late harvest and early snow meaning an increased need for grain drying, which relies on heat from natural gas.
Because the carbon tax doesn’t exempt fuel for grain drying, Meili is asking for an expedited rebate, returning the full cost of carbon pricing on grain drying directly to farmers.

Meili asked in Question Period if the Premier would like to co-sign the letter. Scott Moe’s answer was that he has written and spoken to the Prime Minister many times, telling him there shouldn’t be a carbon tax. He adds that the SaskParty government is supporting farmers by supporting trade internationally, with visits recently in Mexico, Japan and South Korea.

Meili responded that the SaskParty government has refused to come up with an alternate plan and he concludes that the Premier is more interested in political gain with his carbon tax talk than helping farmers with their bills.