“Beef producers were already stretched thin with declining prices and market concerns due to COVID-19” said Agriculture Critic Diljeet Brar. “The Pallister Government should immediately reverse its increases to crown land leases and defer any outstanding rent that is due.”

Crown leases increased this year by upwards of 100% or more for producers and are slated to increase next year. However, due to COVID-19, market experts are anticipating a decline of two thirds or more in demand for food services. At the same time, beef packing plants representing 85% of Canada’s packing capacity are either shut down or face disruption due to COVID-19.

Market prices are already declining. That's why the Manitoba NDP are also further calling for the Pallister Government to take an urgent all-hands-on-deck response to COVID-19 crisis for all livestock producers, including establishing an emergency response panel of industry, government and the official opposition.

“We’re all in this together, and our livestock producers need all parties to work together to deal with this urgent crisis” said Agriculture Critic Diljeet Brar. “We are willing to do our part to ensure our producers are protected.”

The Official Opposition remains committed to supporting producers and the efforts of government to fight COVID-19.