OTTAWA 鈥� On June 13, Robert Black, Senator for Ontario, rose in the Senate Chamber to speak to Bill S-230.
Tabled on June 10 by Black, the National Strategy for Soil Health Act mandates the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, along with other relevant Ministers, to develop a national strategy to support and promote efforts across Canada to protect, conserve and enhance soil health, including a view of achieving resilient and healthy soils across Canada.
Bill S-230 reflects a number of recommendations set out in the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry鈥檚 (AGFO) report, Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada鈥檚 Economic, Environmental, Human and Social Health, tabled in the Senate last听 June.听
The National Strategy for Soil Health Act highlights the need for policy recommendations, analysis of the status of Canada鈥檚 soils, knowledge sharing, education and training in soil health, among other initiatives. 听
The strategy contains recommendations for the appointment of a National Advocate for Soil Health, and the development of appropriate targets, timelines and the resources necessary to improve soil health protection, conservation and enhancement.听
鈥淪oil is a valuable natural resource, and the AGFO鈥檚 soil study recommendations must be actioned to protect the future of Canadian soils,鈥� said Black. 鈥淭he development of a national strategy will be one step closer to safeguarding this non-renewable resource. Once it is gone, it is gone.鈥�
To review Black鈥檚 speech, visit .听
