Starting last October, MPs from each of Canada's major political parties took part in meetings where witnesses spoke about trade and the pandemic. Government officials, trade associations, academics and others, like the Canola Council of Canada, were heard. | Screencap via ourcommons.ca

More co-ordination, diversity needed for post-pandemic trade: report

Better co-ordination across government agencies, creating more export opportunities for agri-tech and increasing a focus on trade are recommendations found in a parliamentary report focused on international trade and COVID-19. The standing committee on international trade released its interim report in May, outlining four recommendations. Starting last October, MPs from each of Canada’s major political […] Read more

International farm workers and others entering Canada have complained about wait times accessing online Switch nurses, lost tests, delays and inaccurate results. | Screencap via switchhealth.ca

Farmers deserve better than feds’ choice of COVID-19 testing firm

The company tasked with managing coronavirus tests for travellers entering Canada continues to cause headaches for farmers and the international workers they employ. Switch Health is managing the initial tests being given to travellers within 24 hours of entering Canada, and the second test given several days later. Over one year into the pandemic, it […] Read more

Advocates contend the new program is the latest in a series of public policy failures surrounding migrant workers. | File photo

Feds pathway to permanent residency program under fire

Migrant farm workers will be able to apply for permanent residency through a new federal program, but critics say the Liberals plan is flawed. Essential temporary foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian schools will be able to apply for one of the 90,000 new permanent residences. There are 30,000 spots dedicated to temporary workers […] Read more


Bill C-208, introduced by Conservative MP Larry Maguire for the first time in September 2020, is off to the senate for review after receiving approval from 199 MPs. | Getty Images

Farm transfer law gains support, moves to Senate

Farm groups are praising MPs who voted in favour of a law aiming to amend tax laws and make it easier for producers to sell their operations to family members. Bill C-208, introduced by Conservative MP Larry Maguire for the first time in September 2020, is off to the senate for review after receiving approval […] Read more

Indonesia is Canada's largest market in Southeast Asia for agri-food products and Canada's single largest wheat customer, according to Global Affairs. | File photo

Canada, Indonesia prepare for trade talks

Canada may soon engage Indonesia in trade talks. The two nations have long flirted with the idea of a trade agreement, and Canada launched consultations of the subject in January. That consultation ended in February — a summary is expected to be published by Global Affairs this spring — but already Canadian trade officials are […] Read more


The Saskatchewan NDP autopsy recommends a “renewed commitment to reconnecting with rural residents and communities. ”No matter your political leanings, this is good news for producers — if the NDP can actually do it this time. | Screencap via saskndp.ca

NDP will need to do more to win favour in rural ridings

After attending enough political conventions, they all start to blur together. Some memories stand out, though. One is being at a Saskatchewan NDP convention in Saskatoon (2016, I think) and seeing a rural member talking about agricultural policy. In the member’s mind, there wasn’t much of any agricultural policy in the Saskatchewan NDP’s playbook and […] Read more

MPs from each of Canada's major political parties took part in conducting the study, called "Room to Grow: Strengthening Food Processing Capacity in Canada for Food Security and Exports." | Screencap via ourcommons.ca

Committee suggests aid for processor sector

A federal agricultural committee report is recommending more investment and less regulation to spur the Canadian processing sector. Between November 2020 and February 2021, the standing committee on agriculture and agri-food studied measures to increase Canada’s processing capacity, hearing from dozens of witnesses. The result is 18 recommendations largely focusing on financial investments and policy […] Read more

Funds valued at $21.4 million is being made through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. | Screncap via Twitter/@mclaudebibeau

Employers to receive help hiring youth

Canada’s 2021 budget increased funding to encourage young people to work in agriculture. Funds valued at $21.4 million are being made available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. Released in April, the federal budget earmarks $109.3 million in […] Read more


MP and NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor introduced a private member's bill to create a National Soil Health Strategy for Canada. | File photo

NDP introduces soil health bill

A law being introduced by the federal NDP vows to help fight food insecurity and support farmers. NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor introduced a private member’s bill to create a National Soil Health Strategy for Canada. The law would help maintain, enhance and rebuild the capacity of soils, according to the NDP. “Healthy soils are […] Read more

Funds valued at $21.4 million is being made through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. | Screncap via Twitter/@mclaudebibeau

Bibeau highlights budget spending on youth jobs in ag

Canada’s 2021 budget increased funding to encourage young people to work in agriculture. Funds valued at $21.4 million is being made through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) to help agri-food employers fill vacant positions with people between the ages of 15 and 30. Released in April, the federal budget earmarks $109.3 million in […] Read more