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Constituency Office 1322-100th Street Ottawa Office 781 Confederation Bldg. |
Welcome Thank you for visiting my Web site. As the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster, I am proud to serve as your representative in Ottawa. As part of keeping in touch with my constituents I invite you to read my regular Report from Parliament. My staff and I are committed to providing the best possible service to every constituent. I hope you find the site both interesting and informative and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
IN THE NEWS..... Western Canadian Wheat and Barley Farmers Finally Get Marketing Freedom BALGONIE, Saskatchewan - December 16, 2011 - Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers finally have the freedom to market their wheat or barley as they choose, whether that is with a grain company, processor or the Canadian Wheat Board, following the Royal Assent of the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act. Western farmers, the grain industry, business groups, provincial governments and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz celebrated this historic day with the signing of the first forward contracts for wheat and barley. read more Western Canadian Grain Farmers One Step Closer to the Marketing Freedom they want and deserve OTTAWA, Ontario - November 28, 2011 - Canada's Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was joined by Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bob Bjornerud and Alberta Agriculture Minister Evan Berger today to welcome Third Reading and the final vote in the House of Commons on the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act. read more Pooled Registered Pension Plans OTTAWA, Ontario - November 18, 2011 - The Government of Canada is introducing changes to Canada's pension landscape that will make saving for retirement easier for millions of Canadians. Legislation was introduced November 17, 2011 in the House of Commons, implementing the federal portion of the Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) framework. The PRPPs will be particularly applicable to small business who currently do not offer employees pension plans. read more Long Gun Registry in the Crosshairs OTTAWA, Ontario - October 25, 2011 - Today, in the House of Commons, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, introduced the Ending the Long-Gun Registry Act. "Since its introduction in 1995, your Conservative Government has been advocating for the abolition of the needless Long Gun Registry. The introduction of Bill C-19 today, will finally close the book on a registry that targeted law abiding gun owners rather than criminals" says Ritz. read more Freedom for Grain Farmers OTTAWA, Ontario - October 20, 2011 - On Tuesday October 18th, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture had the honour of tabling Bill C-18, The Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act. This historic legislation will finally give farmers the ability to sell their own wheat and barley. read more Western Canadian Wheat and Barley Farmers Deserve Marketing Freedom ACME, Alberta - October 17, 2011 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz reiterated today the importance of providing marketing freedom to Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers. As evidenced by the tremendous growth in the canola and pulse industries, today's entrepreneurial farmers are providing over and over that they have what it takes to succeed when they are in control of all aspects of their farming business. The Harper Government intends to table legislation in Parliament on Tuesday. read more Moving to Marketing Freedom: Minister Ritz welcomes industry working group report OTTAWA, Ontario - September 28, 2011 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz welcomed the report of the working group on marketing freedom for Western Canadian producers of wheat and barley. The report draws on expert advice from across the grain industry and will play a vital role in the Government's planning for an orderly transition to marketing choice. read more Budget 2011 - Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan OTTAWA - June 06, 2011 - Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz is pleased with the next phase of Canada's Economic Plan and the Positive benefits it will have for Saskatchewan families, seniors and businesses. read more Coalition Threatens Voice of Canadians OTTAWA - March 25, 2011 - Here we go again! Liberals and NDP have forced Canadians into an unnecessary election. The opposition have shown their disrespect for the people of Canada by dismissing a discally prudent budget that would continue to see Canada through the global economic turmoil and calling for an election. If you recall just after the general election in 2008 which gave the Conservatives another minority government, an effort to usurp power and form government was made by the Liberals and NDP who entered into a formal coalition agreement with the support of the Bloc Quebecois. read more Record Investment for Agriculture Demonstration Projects SASKATCHEWAN - March 24, 2011 - Today, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Rob Bjornerud announced a record investment for producer-led agriculture demonstration projects. Over $600,000 in funding is being provided for 74 producer-led projects in Saskatchewan this summer under the Agricultural Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) programs. "There's no better way to determine the success of new farming practices than to let farmers put them to the test," said Minister Ritz. "Here are 74 more great examples of the kind of support our Government is proud to deliver to farmers." read more Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan - A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth OTTAWA - March 22, 2011 - Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz is pleased with the next phase of Canada's Economic Plan and the positive benefits it will have for Saskatchewan families, seniors and businesses. "The budget that Minister Flaherty delivered today, demonstrated fiscal restraint and prudence while the global economy is still fragile," said Ritz. "This isn't the time for an unneccessary election; we need to stay on course to help create jobs and growth." read more Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in Agriculture Research Facilities
Photo courtesy of the University of Saskatchewan SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - March 14, 2011 - Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and the Honourable Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture announced $6.5 million toward enhanced capacity at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) phytotron. The phytotron provides a controlled environment to allow researchers to determine how soils, plants, water, light, wind and pests interact under a variety of conditions. The funding will increase the environmental chamber capacity from 60 to 100 per cent. "Our Government understands that investments in agricultural innovation create new crops for Canadian farmers, and help to strengthen our economy," said Minister Ritz. "That's why we are proud to be supporting the phytotron and the important research it facilitates. read more Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in New Research and Development Technology SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - March 04, 2011 - The federal and provincial governments are investing $17 million in an advanced research cyclotron. The unit will be capable of producing isotopes for advanced medical imaging, treating diseases in humans, animals and plants, as well as developing new, stronger materials for industry. The announcement was made this morning by the Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Rob Norris, Saskatchewan's Minister responsible for Innovation. The Government of Canada is investing $7 million in the project, with the Government of Saskatchewan contributing $10 million. read more Strategic Renewal OTTAWA - February 09, 2011 - "Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama during their "Beyond the Border" meeting, signalled their continued commitment to the largest commercial relationship in the world," said Gerry Ritz, MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster and Regional Minister for Saskatchewan. read more Supporting Canada's Continued Job Growth OTTAWA - February 04, 2011 - Strong job numbers reinforce the effectiveness of the Conservative Government's Economic Action Plan, says Gerry Ritz, MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster. Statistics Canada announced today 70,000 net new jobs were created in the month of January. Agriculture jobs also rose by more than 13,000 in that same time frame. The 2010 Economic Action Plan focuses on job creation and growth to support Canada's economic recovery and we are seeing results. read more Wheat and Pulse Farmers Win with Launch of Canada-Morocco Free Trade Negotiations OTTAWA - January 28, 2011 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz joined the Right Honourable Prime Minister Stephen Harper and International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan to launch historic free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the Kingdom of Morocco that will significantly benefit the Canadian agricultual industry. read more New Funding for Young Farmers and Ranchers January 27, 2011 - Today, Member of Parliament, Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced increased supoort for young Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. This includes increased funding for farm-related consulting services and training, as well as $50,000 in new funding for the Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs (SYA). read more Government of Canada Helps Find More Uses for Canola Proteins SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, January 12, 2011 - The Government of Canada is investing in research that will benefit Canola producers by increasing the value and usage of canola protein in the food ingredients market. An investment of more than $205,000 will be made towards the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission. "The Government of Canada is working to help producers keep ahead of the curve and remain competitive by developing new, value added products," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will help canola producers meet the increased demand for protein packed food products in Canada and around the world." read more $59 Million in Road Improvements for Battlefords-Lloydminster Area in 2010 December 10, 2010 - Transportation links for motorists, shippers and the envergy sector are improved thanks to more than $59 million in road work - including about 100 km on Highway 40 - that took place during the 2010 construction season in the Battlefords - Lloydminster area in Saskatchewan. "Our improved highways are vital to our families and communities," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament for Battlefords - Lloydminster. "Our government understands the importance of supporting infrastructure projects that create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life throughout Saskatchewan." read more Bill to Repeal the Long-Gun Registry Narrowly Defeated OTTAWA, Ontario - September 23, 2010 - Liberals and NDP Members of Parliament have once again betrayed their constituents and have broken their promises, says Battlefords-Lloydminster MP, Gerry Ritz. Rural NDP members who promised during the past election to vote to end the long-gun registry voted with the Liberals and Bloc on a Motion to defeat the bill to scrap the long-gun registry by a margin of 151 to 153. read more Rural Canadians' Guide to Programs and Services
This is a guide of Government of Canada programs and services, put together especially for Canadians in rural and remote communities. In addition to a short description of each program or service, there is also a point of contact where Canadians can go for information by telephone, fax, email or internet. The programs and services are divided into two sections: the first section focuses on national/regional initiatives; the second section provides information specifically for Northern Canada. They have been listed alphabetically under the main federal department responsible for the program or service. Click on the image for a PDF version of the guide or contact our constituency office to obtain a hardcopy. Governments Act to Help Prairie Farmers Restore Cropland SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, July 8, 2010 - Help is on the way for prairie farmers dealing with excess moisture and flooding through the largest and fastest AgriRecovery relief package to date. The governments of Canada, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, will make up to $450 million available to help farmers take immediate steps to protect and restore damaged cropland. "Farmers are resilient when dealing with weather, but recent record flooding has proved difficult to navigate," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. read more AgriRecovery aids livestock producers facing drought LLOYDMINSTER, Alberta - May 31, 2010 - Livestock producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan facing two years of drought will receive funding from federal and provincial governments to buy feed while damaged pastures recover. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz joined Jack Hayden, Alberta Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister, to make the announcement today in Lloydminster. read more Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth OTTAWA, Ontario - March 04, 2010 - The Conservative Government's 2010 Action Plan focused on job creation and growth to support Canada's economic recovery. The budget also included a disciplined long-term plan to return to balanced budgets. "We are in stage two of our Economic Action Plan. The focus is shifted from stimulus, to job creation and long term growth," says Ritz. "We are already seeing the success of our plan with the creation of 135,000 new jobs since July 2009, the launch of 16,000 infrastructure projects and a 5% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2009." read more Government of Canada Celebrated the Torch Relay with the Communities of North Battleford and Lloydminster Battlefords - Lloydminster, January 12, 2010 - The Arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch lit up the communities of North Battleford and Lloydminster today as local Member of Parliament Gerry Ritz presented the two cities with a commemorative plaque for welcoming the Olympic flame in their community. "The Olympics are a great demonstration of world class athletic competition," said Ritz. "The torch relay is a unique event that allows families in rural communities like ours to get involved and excited about the upcoming winter games. Go! Canada! Go!" read more New Citizenship Study Guide to Help Newcomers and Canadians Better Understand Canada
Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship can be downloaded or ordered from the CIC website. Citizenship applicants can contact the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 if they have any questions.
Three Communities Benefit from Federal-Provincial Infrastructure Funding ST. WALBURG, Saskatchewan - September 25, 2009 - The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are delivering investments to upgrade water treatment facilities and roads in the communities of St. Walburg, Vibank, and the Rural Municipality of Beaver River. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster and Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, announced the project today. read more
Liberals Try to Block Aid for Farmers OTTAWA, Ontario - September 25, 2009 - Canada's Conservative Government passed vital tax measures to help drought-stricken farmers last week despite the fact that Liberal Members of Parliament tried to block the initiative. read more Long Gun Registry Information Misuse OTTAWA, Ontario - September 24, 2009 - Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Hon. Gerry Ritz and the Conservative Government have warned for years about the misuse of private information collected through the long-gun registry. Today it was revealed that personal information was wrongly given to a private polling company without the Government's knowledge. read more Government of Canada to Help Saskatchewan Livestock Producers Affected by Drought OTTAWA, Ontario - July 22, 2009 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced livestock producers in Saskatchewan in drought affected areas will be eligible for tax deferrals on breeding livestock sold due to drought in 2009. "Our Government understands the strain that many livestock producers are facing due to a cool, dry spring in some parts of Saskatchewan," said Minister Ritz. "We will continue to put farmers first to make sure they have the programs and assistance needed to overcome these challenges and continue to drive the Canadian economy." read more Government of Canada Invests in Historic Buildings and Infrastructure at Fort Battleford National Historic Site BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan - June 25, 2009 - The Government of Canada is making smart investments to improve historic buildings and infrastructure at Fort Battleford National Historic Site. On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Agriculture Minister and MP for Battlefords - Lloydminster Gerry Ritz today announced funding for two projects that will see the stabilization of the five historic buildings and the restoration of a historic landscape. "Fort Battleford is a cornerstone of our community and this Government is making sure these historic treasures are maintained while also creating jobs and encouraging tourism," said Minister Ritz. "This funding will ensure that families across Battleford and Canada can continue to visit and enjoy our rich heritage." read more Legislative Changes Granting More Support for Allied Veterans and Their Families Receives Royal Assent OTTAWA, Ontario - June 18, 2009 - Amendments to the War Veterans Allowance Act extending benefits to Allied veterans received Royal Assent today. Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada assented to a Bill which enables Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to extend benefits to low-income Allied Veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War. Family members may also receive benefits. read more Canada and Saskatchewan Invest to Expand Post-Secondary Education Research Capacity SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - June 12, 2009 - The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are teaming up to invest more than $118 million in 21 projects at post-secondary institutions throughout Saskatchewan. The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Rob Norris, Saskatchewan Minister of Advance Education, Employment and Labour, made the annoucement today in Saskatoon. read more Harper Government Invests In Cutting Edge Science and Innovation to Help Canadian Farmers LACOMBE, Alberta - May 29, 2009 - The Government of Canada is helping Canadian farmers turn new ideas and technologies into viable market opportunities. The Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program will invest $158 million to support industry-led innovation initiatives that help get new agricultural products into the marketplace and improve agricultural processes. read more Proposed Improvements to Loans Act Will Give Farmers Better Access to Credit OTTAWA, Ontario - May 04, 2009 - Canadian farmers who are finding it difficult to obtain loans due to the tightening of global credit markets can count on the Government of Canada. Today, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz introduced new legislation to guarantee an estimated $1 billion in loans over the next five years to Canadian farm families and cooperatives, most of which will go to farmers and cooperatives who were previously ineligible. read more Government of Canada Invests in North Battleford Theatre NORTH BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan - May 02, 2009 - The Government of Canada and Saskatchewan are partnering to deliver $14 million for a North Battleford performance theatre that will be part of a new multiplex facility. Federal Agriculture Minister and MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster, Gerry Ritz, and Minister of Municipal Affairs for Saskatchewan, Bill Hutchinson, today announced the funding for North Battleford and the signing of the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund Agreement are part of our ongoing commitment to inject economic stimulus into our economy, support job creation, and provide for safer and healthier communities. read more Motion to Ban Replacement Workers Struck Down OTTAWA, Ontario - April 30, 2009 - Battlefords-Lloydminster MP, Gerry Ritz once again stood up for Canadians and voted against M-294, a motion that seeks to ban replacement workers. Similar to previous votes, MP Gerry Ritz continues to advocate against this type of legislation. read more Soft on Crime NDP Opposes Will of Rural Voters OTTAWA, Ontario - April 24, 2009 - NDP Members of Parliament have betrayed their constituents and broken their promises, says Battlefords-Lloydminster MP, Gerry Ritz. Rural NDP members who promised during the past election to vote to end the long-gun registry voted with the Bloc and Liberals on a Motion that will make law abiding citizens criminals just because they own a long-gun and go hunting. read more Municipalities to receive double Gas Tax funding OTTAWA, Ontario - April 03, 2009 - Families, farmers and workers in Batllefords-Lloydminster will see faster improvements to roads, bridges, public transit and other infrastructure thanks to a doubling of the Gas Tax transfers to municipalities, says Member of Parliament, Hon. Gerry Ritz. read more Afghanistan Mission Online Tools OTTAWA, Ontario - March 25, 2009 - Online tools designed to give Canadians more information about Canada's mission in Afghanistan are now available. The e-tools include downloadable videos and photos, an interactive map and social media sites. They are available at www.afghanistan.gc.ca. read more
Farmers Consulted on Agriculture Flexibility Program OTTAWA, Ontario - March 04, 2009 - Farmers from across the country will directly impact the design of the Government of Canada's new agricultural flexibility program and other key policies through roundtable discussions with Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz this week. read more CWB Must Cooperate Fully With Auditor General - Ritz OTTAWA, Ontario - February 26, 2009 - Today Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued a formal letter to the Canadian Wheat Board asking them to allow the Auditor General to conduct a full audit of all operations. Minister Ritz made the announcement druing his speech to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture in response to the CWB's loss of nearly $130 million. read more Building Communities OTTAWA - February 20, 2009 - Communities in the riding of Battlefords-Lloydminster and throughout Saskatchewan are benefitting today from $95 million in joint government infrastructure funding announced under the Building Canada Fund. "I'm pleased that in my constituency over $7.9 million is being invested in five water, road and sewer improvement projects that will not only strengthen infrastructure but also the economy, through job creation, at a time when it's most needed," says Battlefords-Lloydminster MP and Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz. read more Canada and Saudi Arabia Agree to Reopen Beef Market RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - February 17, 2009 - Canadian beef exporters will have access to the lucrative Saudi Arabian market for the first time since 2003. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement today following his meeting with Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Bin Ahmed Zeinal Alireza in Riyadh. read more Canada Summer Jobs Program 2009 OTTAWA - February 12, 2009 - Regional Minister for Saskatchewan and Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz, would like to remind employers that the Canada Summer Jobs program is now underway. read more The Government of Canada Opens Jordanian Market for Beef and Cattle OTTAWA - February 03, 2009 - The Government of Canada has secured full market access for Canadian beef and cattle exports to Jordan. International Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced Jordan's decision to lift the ban imposed in 2003 because of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). read more Protecting Canada During a Global Recession
Government of Canada Invests in New Opportunities for Biofuels and Livestock Sector OTTAWA - January 23, 2009 - The Government of Canada is creating new economic opportunities in rural Canada by investing $6 million in the Feed Opportunities from the BioFuels Industries (FOBI) research network that will work to develop and harness new market opportunities in the ethanol and livestock sectors. read more Cattle and Pork Producers Given More Time to Repay Cash Advances OTTAWA - January 23, 2009 - Cattle and hog producers facing hard financial times now have until September 30, 2010, to repay cash advances under the Advance Payment Program (APP). The extension of the repayment deadline for livestock advances was announced today by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. In addition, the first $100,000 of each producer's advance will continue to be interest-free. read more New Market Opportunities in India and Hong Kong for Canadian Farmers
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz concluded, on January 16, a trade mission to India and Hong Kong that successfully created new marketing opportunities for Canadian farmers. read more Tax Deferral to Benefit Farmers In Saskatchewan OTTAWA - December 19, 2008 - The Government of Canada is offering 2008 tax deferrals to producers who have been dealing with drought in designated areas of Saskatchewan. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced that producers who resorted to selling off cattle to avoid financial losses due to drought conditions will be eligible for a one-year tax deferral on 2008 income from those stales. read more Olympic Torch to Visit Battlefords-Lloydminster NORTH BATTLEFORD - November 21, 2008 - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister Responsible for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, joined by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced the official route of the Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay today. read more Gerry Ritz Attends Opening of Ethanol Facility BELLE PLAINE - August 08, 2008 - Gerry Ritz with Tim LaFrance and Bill Boyd at the opening of Terra Grain Fuels ethanol plant. 
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