Another Farm strike?

[NHTOM]

Looks like the 2010 strike all over again. Lets hope this gets resolved......

 

From the Journal -Montreal 12/21

The Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA) is still threatening to block snowmobile trails as a means of pressure, a move that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to tourism businesses.

The UPA is considering asking its producers to refuse to give access to their land from 1 February in order to put pressure on the Couillard government in the matter of recalculating the reimbursement of property taxes to farmers.
These measures would increase the tax bill of 80% of farmers. On 1 February, if the government did not agree to suspend the reform, the UPA promises to tighten the tone.

This is not the first time that such a threat has been launched. The tourist industry was also taken hostage in 2010 on the issue of Farm Income Stabilization Insurance.

"One understands (the anxiety), but when our only way to be heard is that (blocking) one has no choice," said in interview UPA general president Marcel Groleau .
The news brought regional entrepreneurs who rely heavily on the economic benefits of the snowmobile industry.

"If it happens, I'm going to have a big problem," exclaimed Sylvie St-Arneault, owner of Ferme la Bisonnière, in Saint-Prosper-de-Champlain, Mauricie, which receives nearly 12,000 visitors each year.

She believes that blocking snowmobile trails would result in financial losses of nearly $ 50,000."If it closes, I can not open it." It's going to make a big hole in my budget and it's seven people who will not have a job this winter. It is working against rurality. It is not a good means of pressure, "she said.
Up to 120% increase
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton has just endorsed the figures put forward by the UPA concerning changes to the Farm Property Tax Credit Program.

"Almost 80% of producers will have an increase between 5% and 120% of their tax bill. It is aberrant, "said Marcel Groleau.

According to him, the program will create inequity in addition to putting several small businesses in a precarious financial situation.

The UPA is calling for a working table to negotiate changes to the plan.

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[800steve]

Lets hope they get this worked out.

[iceman]

Have not read or heard anything about this here. When I hear something or read about it I'll update it here.