Thomas Eckschmidt's Page

Welcoming input on watershed plan

Members of the public are invited to an open house to learn about the development of a Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan, and provide input to help guide long-term approaches to water supply and ecosystem health in the area. The open house will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at The Hub at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road in the Cowichan Valley. The B.C. government and Cowichan Tribes are leading the development of the plan, building on several years of engagement with community members, farmers and industry through local advisory tables, such as the Cowichan Tribes Guidance Group and the Community Collaborative Advisory Table. This project has been supported by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to gather and analyze information and develop options related to water allocation, watershed restoration priorities and land-use recommendations. Engaging with the community

Protect AAFC Research, Not Bureaucracy: Why Farmers Need Smart Fiscal Discipline

As Ottawa looks for savings, industry leaders argue cuts should target administrative overhead — not the public agricultural research that delivers higher yields, stronger varieties and real returns for Canadian farmers. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) plan to close research stations across multiple provinces targets the very infrastructure that underpins Canada’s agricultural competitiveness while leaving the department’s growing administrative overhead largely untouched. No one disputes the need for fiscal discipline. But cutting front-line science that consistently delivers some of the highest returns of any public investment is not fiscal responsibility; it’s short-term thinking. AAFC’s regional research network is Canada’s only coordinated system capable of evaluating new crop genetics and management practices across diverse agro-ecological zones. These sites generate the multi-location, multi-year data that determine whether a new variety actually performs under heat

EMILI wins Ecosystem Builder Award at the 2026 DARE Innovation Awards

EMILI was honoured to be awarded the Ecosystem Builder Award at the inaugural DARE Innovation Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 24, 2026. The DARE Innovation Awards, hosted by North Forge, celebrated Manitoba’s entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, recognizing bold vision, transformative leadership and lasting impact. The Ecosystem Builder Award, which EMILI was shortlisted for alongside Adam Kelly of Social Entrepreneurship Enclave and Paul Card of Manitoba Innovates, honours a leader, mentor or organization dedicated to growing and supporting Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem. “It is a privilege to be recognized alongside such a talented group of Manitoba innovators, and we are honoured to be shortlisted as ecosystem builders alongside Paul Card and Adam Kelly, two individuals we have so much respect and appreciation for,” said Jennifer Cox, communications manager with EMILI during the award acceptance speech. A key place EMILI supports Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem i

Ag included in Carney’s trip to Japan

Canada is committed to being a reliable trade partner with Japan

RB Global purchases BigIron Auction Company

The transaction helps RB Global’s expansion into the U.S.