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Read my press releases and opinion pieces here:
(File) Opinion: Senators should dig in to a soil-health study
The Hill Times, December 11, 2019
In 1984, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry published a report, entitled “Soil at Risk: Canada’s Eroding Future”. The study, under the chairmanship of Senator Herbert Sparrow, who later went on to form the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) in 1987, provided the government with several recommendations in an attempt to reverse the trend of degradation and erosion of Canadian soils.
(File) Opinion: In 2019, all Canadians should have access to fast, reliable internet services
Policy Options, October 24, 2019
It’s 2019 and people can use the internet wherever they are: on the bus, in a shopping mall, hiking up a mountain. But what city dwellers might not realize is that there are people in rural and remote areas across Canada who still don’t have reliable internet access.
(File) Opinion: Planting the Seed about the Importance of Soil Health
The Hill Times, October 14, 2019
What’s the big deal about soil? It’s all over the place! And anyway, it only affects farmers, right?
That might be your first reaction upon seeing the title of this article. That’s because we really don’t talk much about soil, one of our most precious resources. I want to change that.
(File) News Release: Senator Rob Black Reflects on Rural Revitalization
St. John’s, October 4, 2019 – Today, the Honourable Rob Black participated in a panel at Memorial University hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF). Black, who represents Ontario in the Senate, was joined by Senators Mary Coyle (Nova Scotia) and Diane Griffin (Prince Edward Island).
(File) News Release: Senator Rob Black lays the groundwork for future soil study
Winnipeg, October 2, 2019 – The Honourable Rob Black, Senator for Ontario, took part in the Soil Conservation Council of Canada’s (SCCC) Summit on Canadian Soil Health in Winnipeg this week. Today he participated in a panel entitled, “Setting the course for the future”.
(File) News Release: Senator Rob Black sees huge potential for Canada’s value-added food sector
Charlottetown, July 15, 2019 – This morning in Charlottetown, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry released its report entitled, “Made in Canada: Growing Canada’s value-added food sector”. The Honourable Robert Black, independent senator for Ontario and member of the committee believes that the report presents an opportunity for Canada to become more competitive in global markets.
(File) News Release: Ontario Senator Sees National Food Policy as a Step in the Right Direction
Ottawa, June 26, 2019 – The Honourable Rob Black, independent senator for Ontario, is pleased with the Government of Canada’s recent announcement of a national food policy. Black believes the policy to be a step in the right direction and will be watching closely to ensure that the government follows through on its commitments while continuing to consult heavily with agriculture stakeholders.
(File) News Release: Senator Hopes Committee Report Will Reinvigorate the Charitable Sector
Ottawa, June 20, 2019 – Today the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector published its report, which includes 42 recommendations to the government. The Honourable Rob Black, independent senator for Ontario, hopes the report will be an opportunity to make improvements and give new life to the charitable and non-profit sector.
(File) News Release: 4-H Canada Holds Annual Citizenship Congress in Ottawa
Ottawa, May 6, 2019 – 4-H Canada, which has been operating youth leadership programs in Canada for over 100 years, has just wrapped up its 2019 Citizenship Congress. The program has been running since 1972 with the goal of educating delegates on Canada’s history and parliamentary system, and fostering skills related to civic engagement, governance, parliamentary procedure, citizenship, and politics. This year’s theme was “The Power of a Vote: Value of Civic Engagement”.
(File) News Release: Getting the Dirt on Soil at Senate Agriculture Committee
Ottawa, May 3, 2019 – The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry heard Thursday morning from witnesses with expertise in soil health. The Honourable Robert Black, who joined the Senate last year after a 30-year career in the agricultural industry, proposed that the committee undertake a study on soil health.