One of the most common questions asked in conversations with folks who work in the agriculture industry is about a person’s farm background. It’s easy to understand why this question gets asked. For one thing, it’s a great ice breaker because it lets people find common ground. It is also a simple way to suss […] Read more
Stories by Kelsey Johnson
Mystery in the reading room; mural of ‘grain fields of Ontario’
In Parliament’s esteemed Centre Block, there’s a room tucked just outside of the Parliamentary Library off of the main Hall of Honour. It’s called the reading room. It’s also home to a bit of an agriculture-related mystery. To the average visitor, it may appear to be simply another room – albeit a large one with a […] Read more
Review of campaign promises shows progress, but few results
It’s been nearly two years since the October 2015 election where Canadian voters gave Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberals a majority government. It was a campaign full of promises. Several touched on agriculture. So, how many of those promises have they been able fulfill since taking office? An easy way to figure it […] Read more
Farm groups riled up by Canada’s Food Guide proposals
NAFTA negotiations will include delicate ‘deal breaker’ issues
After months of speculation and political positioning, Canada, the United States and Mexico will sit down this week to start hashing out a “modernized” North American Free Trade Agreement. What that actually means is still to be determined. Most of the specifics will likely be kept guarded — only for eyes within the trade negotiating […] Read more
Lack of supply management knowledge is worrisome finding
If there was even a tiny doubt about whether Canadians really don’t know where their food comes, a new poll from Angus Reid just quashed it. The polling firm asked 1,512 Canadians ahead of the pending North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation whether they would be open to a federal concession around supply management. The […] Read more
Justin Trudeau: the anti-Trump loved across the globe
The world is in love with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They love his hair. They love his socks. They love his young, picture-perfect family. They love the fact he’s not U.S. President Donald Trump. The New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof has named him the leader of the free world. Rolling Stone put Trudeau on the […] Read more
Canadian politicians on mission touting ag trade benefits
The steady stream of Canadian cabinet ministers flowing south to the United States shows no signs of slowing. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is the latest to make the journey with a trip to Oregon and Idaho, which included stops in Portland, Sun Valley and Boise. The latest trip is meant to highlight how important trade […] Read more
Ottawa remains close-lipped as NAFTA renegotiations loom
When it comes to the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Ottawa has kept its cards very close to its chest. Don’t expect that strategy to change any time soon. Canada and the United States have very different rules when it comes to trade negotiations. In the United States, American trade officials are […] Read more
4-Hers from around the world share ideas and concerns
Youth from around the world are taking over Ottawa as the nation’s capital hosts the international 4-H Global Summit. Five hundred young delegates from 70 countries will spend a week in the city, where they will chat about sustainable agriculture, the environment, healthy eating, science, technology, community engagement and communications. Cooking demonstrations, evening activities at […] Read more
