Working with others: deputy minister transition book 2024, AAFC

[Redacted] appears where sensitive information has been removed in accordance with the principles of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada portfolio and partner organizations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) works with partnering organizations and agencies that regulate aspects of the agriculture sector. The Department and its portfolio partners report to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, excluding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which reports to the Minister of Health. However, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for CFIA's non-food safety agricultural activities, including work related to plant health, animal health, and trade issues. The Deputy Minister of AAFC is responsible for advising the Minister on all matters under the Minister's responsibility and authority. The organizations within the Agriculture and Agri-Food portfolio are responsible for ensuring that policies and programs are coordinated and work to serve the interests of the sector and Canadians.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

History

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was established in 1997 as a regulatory body. It is a science-based regulatory agency focused on mitigating and managing risks related to food safety, animal health and plant protection and prioritizes the health and safety of Canadians. CFIA transitioned from the Agriculture and Agri-Food portfolio to the Health portfolio in October 2013 to better align federal authorities related to food safety.

Mandate

In considering CFIA's mandate, there are key areas where its activities can impact and influence the competitiveness and economic interests of the sector, particularly:

  • Food safety, animal health and plant protection;
  • Domestic and international trade and market access; and
  • Regulatory modernization.

Activities

The Minister of Health is responsible for the overall direction and budget of CFIA and for issues related to food safety. CFIA continues to report to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for non-food safety activities and economic and trade issues (for example, related to animal health, plant protection, market access, and agricultural inputs such as feeds, seeds, and fertilizer). CFIA collaborates with various departments across all levels of government, stakeholders, and interest groups to deliver its mandate.

There are instances where CFIA will be required to brief and seek approval from both the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister of Health on issues and initiatives that cross areas of responsibility. These include issues like biotechnology or animal or plant issues that may impact the food supply, such as antimicrobial resistance, and market access issues related to food safety.

Funding

Total planned spending on core responsibilities and internal services is $862 million in 2024–25 and total planned revenue from all business lines (food safety, animal health, and plant health) is $53 million. (Sources: 2024–25 Estimates – Parts I and II The Government Expenditure Plan and Main Estimates)

Full-time equivalents: 6,748 employees

President: Paul MacKinnon
Appointment: January 27, 2024 to January 27, 2029

Farm Credit Canada

History

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is a Crown corporation, created in 1959 through the Farm Credit Act. FCC's Corporate Office is in Regina.

Mandate

FCC provides specialized and personalized business and financial services and products to the agriculture and food industry.

Activities

With a portfolio of more than $50.7 billion in loans (March 31, 2024), FCC is Canada's largest provider of capital to agriculture, agri-business, and food producers. FCC has close to 102,000 customers serviced by 102 field offices across Canada. FCC provides financing, software, learning programs, and other business services to advance the business of agriculture and food. FCC also makes investments in venture capital funds to address the need for alternative financing in the agriculture and food industry. It also partners with accelerators to provide connections and mentorship to accelerate the growth of start-ups and emerging businesses.

Funding

FCC is self-sustaining and is not dependent on government appropriations. Funds to support its operations are borrowed directly from the Government of Canada under the Consolidated Borrowing Program, which must be approved by the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

Budget

As of December 31, 2023, FCC's portfolio increased to $50.8 billion (from $47.9 billion in March 2023) and net income amounted to $524 million.

(Source: Third Quarter Financial Report 2023-24)

Budget 2024 announced a package of measures for all financial Crown corporations, including FCC. The measures aim to maximize the contributions of Crowns to Canadian productivity and economic growth by transforming capital and risk management, governance, and transparency practices. These measures followed a comprehensive review of Crowns' risk and capital management practices initiated in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.

Full-time equivalents: 2,300

Board of Directors

President and CEO: Ms. Justine Hendricks
Appointment: January 30, 2023 to January 29, 2028

The President and CEO of FCC is responsible for the supervision of the business of the corporation. Working with the Board of Directors, they are responsible for the strategic leadership of the corporation and for providing leadership and advice to the Board on all matters of policy affecting the direction and operation of the corporation.

Board Chair: Ms. Jane Halford
Appointment: April 22, 2020 to May 2, 2027

The Chairperson serves as the FCC's primary liaison to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and is responsible for leading the 12-member FCC Board of Directors while working closely with the CEO.

Director: Rita Achrekar
Appointment: May 21, 2021 to May 20, 2025

Director: Bertha Campbell
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to January 31, 2025 (re-appointed)

Director: Sylvie Chagnon
Appointment: May 21, 2021 to May 20, 2025

Director: Sylvie Cloutier
Appointment: April 5, 2012 to January 26, 2026 (re-appointed)

Director: Laura Donaldson
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to January 31, 2025 (re-appointed)

Director: Michele Hengen
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to May 20, 2024 (re-appointed)

  • Director continues to sit until they resign, are reappointed, or are replaced.

Director: James Laws
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to May 20, 2024 (re-appointed)

  • Director continues to sit until they resign, are reappointed, or are replaced.

Director: Michael Tees
Appointment: May 21, 2021 to May 20, 2025

Director: Govert Verstralen
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to January 31, 2025 (re-appointed)

Director: Vacant

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

History

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART) is an independent quasi-judicial administrative tribunal created in 1998. Its office is located in downtown Ottawa.

As of November 1, 2014, CART became one of 12 tribunals that are supported by the Administrative Tribunals Support Services of Canada (ATSSC). Although the ATSSC allocates a budget to CART and provides administrative support, CART remains part of the agriculture portfolio. AAFC continues to be responsible for formulating policy in support of the administration of CART, and the Minister continues to have authority for appointments; however, CART remains independent in its review processes.

Mandate

CART's mandate is to give the public the opportunity to request reviews of certain decisions or penalties imposed under various agriculture and agri-food acts. Requests for reviews come from individuals and industry. In this regard, the organization plays a key role in ensuring a fair and efficient administrative monetary penalty system.

Activities

CART's focus is to review Notices of Violation issued by CFIA, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, in order to protect public health, animal welfare and plant life. CART began 2023-2024 with 20 cases in its queue. It received 43 new files during the year. Of these 63 files, CART issued 14 decisions on merits. At the end of 2023-2024, CART had 32 cases in its queue.

Funding

Since 2022-23, most CART-specific financial information is no longer tracked. In 2022-2023, the salary of CART's 4 adjudicators (including one full-time Chairperson and 3 part-time adjudicators) was $305,696.

Full-time equivalents: The ATSSC provides registry, legal, and adjudicator support. In 2022-23, the ATSSC combined the secretariats of several of the Federal tribunals it supports. Along with 4 other tribunals, the ATSSC assigned CART to "Integrated Secretariat One" (which has 45 employees). CART has 1 full-time chairperson and 3 part-time members.

Chairperson: Ms. Emily Crocco
Appointment: December 15, 2022 to January 16, 2028

The chairperson is a full-time member of CART and is its CEO. In this capacity, the chairperson is accountable for the effectiveness and efficiency of CART's operations and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. However, because of the size of the Tribunal, it is not an independent entity under the Financial Administration Act.

Part-time Member: Geneviève Parent
Appointment: August 15, 2017 to August 30, 2024 (re-appointed)

[REDACTED]

Part-time Member: Marthanne Robson
Appointment: December 14, 2017 to December 13, 2025 (re-appointed)

Part-time Member: Patricia Farnese
Appointment: November 29, 2018 to December 12, 2025 (re-appointed)

Canadian Dairy Commission

History

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) is a Crown corporation, created in 1966 by the Canadian Dairy Commission Act. Its office is in Ottawa on the Central Experimental Farm.

Mandate

To ensure that the supply-managed system in the dairy sector is working to benefit producers through a fair return for their production and that consumers have an adequate supply of high-quality dairy products.

Activities

The CDC chairs the Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee and provides ongoing support to Canada's dairy industry, in co-operation with stakeholders and governments. The CDC also administers revenue pooling agreements, manages national targets for milk production and the farm gate price of milk, and administers programs. It has authority to buy, store, process, and sell dairy products on domestic and export markets. In August 2019, the Government announced that the CDC would administer and deliver payments to dairy producers under the Dairy Direct Payment Program.

Funding

The CDC receives funding from Parliament, dairy producers, the marketplace, and its commercial operations.

Budget

$16.8 million for the dairy year ending July 31, 2024, including $4.3 million from government appropriations. The remaining $12.5 million is funded by CDC's commercial operations, from milk producers for programs administered on their behalf and from the marketplace for the storage of butter. (Source: CDC 2023–24 to 2027–28 Corporate Plan Summary)

Full-time equivalents: 83

CEO: Mr Benoit Basillais
Appointment: July 4, 2022 to July 3, 2026

The CEO is responsible for overall operations and management of the CDC and serves as the primary liaison between the CDC and dairy industry stakeholders and government officials.

Chairperson: Ms. Jennifer Hayes
Appointment: December 23, 2021 to December 22, 2025

The chairperson serves as the CDC's primary liaison to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and is responsible for leading the CDC Board of Directors while working closely with the CEO and Commissioner.

Commissioner: Shikha Jain
Appointment: September 15, 2022 to September 14, 2026

The commissioner supports both the Chairperson and the CEO in their functions and chairs the CDC Audit Committee.

Canadian Grain Commission

History

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) was created in 1912 through the Canada Grain Act (CGA). Its headquarters are in Winnipeg.

Mandate

In the interests of grain producers, the CGC's mandate, as set out in the CGA, is to establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain, to regulate grain handling in Canada and to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.

Activities

In carrying out its mandate and supporting its vision to be a leader in delivering excellence and innovation for the grain industry, the CGC's key activities are:

  • quality assurance
  • quantity assurance
  • producer protection
  • grain quality research

In Western Canada, the CGC is mandated to license and regulate the entire grain handling system, from the primary elevators, where grain is first received from producers to the terminal and transfer elevators, where it is exported to foreign buyers.

Funding

The CGC is funded through appropriations from Parliament and fees charged for services delivered.

Budget

$80.69 million (funded by $5.9 million in annual government appropriation and $74.79 million in user fees revenue/use of accumulated surplus). (Source: CGC 2024–25 Departmental Plan)

Full-time equivalents: 485

Chief Commissioner: Mr David Hunt
Appointment: May 13, 2024 to May 12, 2028

The chief commissioner reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and administers and enforces the CGA. The chief commissioner also serves as the CEO and provides overall direction and leadership to the staff of the Commission in administering the Act and regulations and in the provision of services to the grain industry.

Assistant Chief Commissioner: Ms. Patty Rosher
Appointment: February 15, 2021 to February 14, 2025

Commissioner: Mr Lonny McKague
Appointment: February 13, 2017 to February 28, 2027 (re-appointed)

Farm Products Council of Canada

History

The Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC) was created in 1972 by the Farm Products Agencies Act (FPAA), which provides for the creation of national marketing agencies for supply managed sectors (excluding dairy) and promotion and research agencies. Its office is in Ottawa on the Central Experimental Farm.

Mandate

The FPCC's responsibilities, as defined in the FPAA, are to:

  • advise the Minister on all matters relating to the establishment and operations of agencies under the FPAA with a view to maintaining and promoting efficient and competitive industries;
  • approve production quota regulations and levies orders, licensing regulations and certain by-law provisions;
  • work with agencies in promoting more effective marketing of supply managed farm products;
  • investigate and take action, within its powers, on any complaints related to national agency decisions; and
  • hold public hearings when necessary, such as when new agencies are proposed.

Activities

FPCC works with and supervises the operations of the following 6 agencies established under the FPAA to ensure that they are promoting a strong, efficient, and competitive production and marketing industry and operate in the interests of producers and consumers.

  • Egg Farmers of Canada (1972)
  • Turkey Farmers of Canada (1974)
  • Chicken Farmers of Canada (1978)
  • Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (1986)
  • Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency (2002)
  • Canadian Pork Promotion and Research Agency (2020)
  • A hemp promotion and research agency is currently in development.

FPCC also administers the Agricultural Products Marketing Act (APMA), on behalf of AAFC. The APMA allows the federal government to delegate its authorities over interprovincial and export trade to provincial commodity boards on a wide range of farm products. This enables boards to collect "check off" duties from producers of commodities in order to fund research, marketing, and other activities of general benefit to the sector.

Funding

The FPCC is funded entirely through appropriations as part of AAFC's ongoing votes listed in the Main Estimates.

Budget

The forecast budget is approximately $3.2 million.

Full-time equivalents: 18

Chairperson and Member: Brian Douglas (full-time)
Appointment: June 11, 2018 to June 10, 2026 (re-appointed)

The chairperson of the FPCC is appointed by the Governor in Council and reports to the Minister, providing advice on the activities, objectives, requirements, and policies of the Council, and on all matters relating to the establishment, operation, and performance of agencies under the FPAA. FPCC is composed of between 3 and 7 members. Currently, the FPCC has 5 members.

Vice-Chairperson: Bonnie den Haan
Appointment: April 21, 2023 to April 20, 2027

Member: Maryse Dubé
Appointment: April 30, 2015 to April 29, 2025 (re-appointed)

Member: Morgan Moore
Appointment: June 19, 2019 to June 18, 2024 (re-appointed)

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Member: Samantha Haverkamp
Appointment: April 21, 2023 to April 20, 2026

Mandate letter for the Farm Products Council of Canada

Mr Brian Douglas
Chairperson
Farm Products Council of Canada
960 Carling Avenue
Building 59, Central Experimental Farm
Ottawa ON K1A 0C6

Dear Mr Douglas:

The federal government recognizes the importance of a vibrant and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector to the country's economy and its food security. We also recognize that the supply management system is a social contract that contributes significantly to the vitality of many rural communities and family farms across Canada.

Despite many recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian agricultural producers and food processors have shown exemplary resilience and continued providing quality products in a particularly difficult context. I would like to thank the Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC) for supporting the sector in responding to these challenges.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change remain urgent priorities for our government, and we must ensure that the agricultural sector steps up as a front-line partner. In keeping with the ambitious environmental commitments outlined in the Government's climate plan, it is increasingly important for government organizations to work with partners across the food value chain in reducing the environmental footprint of the sector. The FPCC has a collaborative role to play in supporting broad climate resiliency and helping industry make food supply chains more efficient by eliminating food waste and finding innovative ways to add value.

I was pleased to be part of the FPCC's 50th anniversary celebration in 2022, and I wish to extend my congratulations and best wishes as it embarks on a second half century of service to the agricultural sector and to Canadians. In addition, in accordance with the FPCC's mandate, I am asking you to provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the Council delivers on the following priorities:

  • Continue to promote the resilient, efficient and competitive production and marketing of regulated products under the FPCC's purview so the poultry and egg sectors can adapt to a changing market throughout the value chain;
  • Continue to engage in open and frequent dialogue with FPCC stakeholders, including processors, to manage emerging issues, including quota and levy amendments, in order to strengthen supply-managed sectors and innovative solutions for the future;
  • Work with the national poultry and egg marketing agencies to ensure that Canadians, including those in remote locations, have consistent and reliable food supply chains during market disruptions caused by various issues, including labour shortages and disease outbreaks (for example, avian influenza);
  • Work with existing promotion and research agencies in promoting the marketing and production of beef and pork as well as supporting Canada's emerging hemp sector by developing the regulatory framework to establish the Canadian Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Agency, as provided for in Part III of the Farm Products Agencies Act;
  • Continue to work in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to ensure that provincial marketing boards and supervisory boards prepare for the proposed changes to the Agricultural Products Marketing Act, as part of Bill S-6, An act respecting regulatory modernization, and continue to assist these boards throughout the transition period, should the changes become law;
  • Continue to support the poultry and egg sectors as they adapt to a new market environment following the implementation of recent trade agreements and continue to work with AAFC and Global Affairs Canada on issues related to Canada's poultry and egg tariff rate quotas, including the monitoring geopolitical events that impact the domestic market; and
  • Promote an inclusive vision that fosters opportunities for women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented groups within the sector and within the farm products national marketing and promotion and research agencies. Take action to continue to support diversity within the FPCC through inclusive recruitment, retention and promotion practices.

As AAFC works to advance the sector-specific priorities outlined in my mandate letter, I ask that you continue to support the Deputy Minister, my principal source of public service support and policy advice for the entire Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio, in ensuring a coordinated portfolio. I know that I can count on you and the FPCC team to fulfill these priorities. I also count on the Council to track and report on its progress toward results for Canadians.

In closing, I assure you of my full co-operation so that, together, we can continue to build an innovative, sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture and agri-food producers and processors and protect the sector's reputation for providing high-quality food products.

Sincerely,
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MP

Mandate letter for the Canadian Dairy Commission

Ms. Jennifer Hayes
Chairperson
Canadian Dairy Commission
960 Carling Avenue, 1st Floor
Ottawa Ontario K1A 0Z2

Dear Ms. Hayes:

From day one, the Government has recognized the importance of a vibrant and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector to Canada's economy and food security. The Government also recognizes the dairy supply management system as a social contract that contributes significantly to the vitality of many rural communities and family farms across the country.

Despite many recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian dairy producers and processors have shown exemplary resilience and continue providing high-quality products in a particularly difficult context. I would like to thank the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) for supporting the dairy sector in responding to these challenges and I am pleased that the Government was able to help by quickly increasing your credit limit.

Looking ahead, I expect that the CDC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will continue to work closely with industry partners as they pursue their future vision for an innovative and sustainable sector. Reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change remain urgent priorities for the Government, and the agriculture sector must be a front line partner. I am grateful that the Dairy Farmers of Canada is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, and the CDC should support this endeavour.

In keeping with the ambitious environmental commitments outlined in the Government's climate plan, it is increasingly important for government organizations to collaborate with partners across the dairy value chain in reducing the environmental footprint of the dairy sector. The CDC has a collaborative role to play in supporting broad climate resiliency, as well as supporting industry in making dairy supply chains more efficient through eliminating food waste and finding innovative ways to add value.

Additionally, I am asking you to provide the leadership necessary to ensure that the CDC, in accordance with its mandate, delivers on the following priorities:

  • Review the approach used by the CDC on milk pricing decisions and ensure clearer and more transparent communication to Canadian consumers and dairy stakeholders;
  • Help the dairy sector adapt to a changing market and encourage innovation;
  • Continue to administer the Dairy Direct Payment Program, which provides full and fair compensation to dairy producers following recent trade agreements;
  • Work closely with AAFC and engage with stakeholders across the value chain to ensure the regulations under the Canadian Dairy Commission Act continue to support the CDC mandate and meet the needs of the dairy industry;
  • Continue working with AAFC and other federal departments to support Canada in fulfilling its international trade obligations. This includes early stakeholder engagement in industry decision-making processes related to the dairy supply management system;
  • In accordance with the Budget 2021 corresponding commitment, begin to report on climate-related financial risks. I also encourage the CDC to work with other Crown corporations to share best practices;
  • Promote an inclusive vision for the future of the dairy sector that fosters opportunities for women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented groups. Take action to improve diversity within the CDC through inclusive recruitment, retention and promotion practices; and
  • Implement the recommendations outlined in the 2021 Special Examination Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the CDC's Board of Directors.

As AAFC works to advance sector-specific priorities outlined in my mandate letter, I ask that you continue to support the Deputy Minister in his role as my principal source of public service support and policy advice for the entire Agriculture and Agri-Food portfolio, and in ensuring a coordinated portfolio. I know that I can count on you and the CDC to fulfill these priorities over the course of the Government's mandate and that your organization will commit to tracking and reporting on its progress toward results for Canadians.

I assure you of my full cooperation. Together, we can continue to build an innovative, sustainable and prosperous future for dairy producers and processors and protect the sector's reputation for providing a predictable supply of high-quality dairy products to Canadians.

Sincerely,
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MP

Mandate letter for Farm Credit Canada

Ms. Jane Halford
Chairperson
Farm Credit Canada
1800 Hamilton Street
Regina SK S4P 4L3

Dear Ms. Halford:

The federal government has recognized the importance of a vibrant and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector to the country's economy and to ensure its food security. We also recognize that Canadian family farms contribute significantly to the vitality of many rural communities across the country.

Therefore, in November 2021, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture jointly signed the Guelph Statement, which recognizes Canada as a world leader in sustainable agriculture. This vision should also inform the work of Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

Despite many recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian agricultural producers and food processors have shown exemplary resilience and continued providing quality products in a particularly difficult context. I would like to thank FCC for supporting the sector by providing financial and advisory services, expanding access to capital and enhancing capital and enhancing its products and services. Canada's producers can rely on FCC as a financial partner in weathering supply chain challenges, commodity price volatility and the rising costs of key agricultural inputs impacted by geopolitical and global market instability. To this end, the Government made sure to support FCC by quickly increasing its capacity to offer financial services.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change remain urgent priorities for our government, and we must ensure that the agricultural sector steps up as a front-line partner. FCC's products and services allow the sector to grow, adopt innovative practices and business models, pursue new markets and close gaps in research, technology and infrastructure. This opens opportunities for early commercialization and deployment of agri technologies, helping to position Canada as a leader in climate change mitigation.

In addition, in accordance with FCC's mandate, I am asking you to provide the leadership necessary to ensure that it delivers on the following priorities:

  • Continue to operate as a responsible lender whose purpose goes beyond financial performance by providing a choice of financing options, filling gaps in industry needs and taking on necessary levels of risk to meet long term needs, with a primary focus on family farms.
  • Continue to be a creative, flexible and patient leader to contribute to a growing and sustainable agricultural sector in Canada, while taking on the necessary levels of risk in order to advance innovation and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Continued efforts should be given to:
    • Build on the Starter Loan, Young Farmer Loan and Young Entrepreneur Loan. Continue to expand and enhance the financial products and services that reduce barriers for young producers, entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups to enter or become more established in Canada's agriculture and food industry, including supporting intergenerational transfers.
    • Offer a steady and stable presence for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry through all economic cycles and during challenges, including climate change and natural disasters, price and trade volatility and dysfunctions in the supply chain.
    • Enhance input financing as a lever to support producers facing rising input costs associated with geopolitical events and incentivize additional production to combat global food insecurity.
    • Enhance support to agri-food and agribusiness entrepreneurs and promote our value added food processing sector. Support opportunities for early commercialization and deployment of agri-technologies to help position Canada as a leader in sustainability and climate change mitigation.
    • Support food security by offering products and services reflecting the social, economic, environmental and health aspects of the agriculture and food system.
    • Continue to pursue and promote a strong relationship with other Canadian financial institutions and credit unions and identify opportunities to offer joint financing solutions to mutual customers.
    • Be a catalyst in attracting capital to the agriculture and agri-food industry through increased venture capital investment and improved access to capital for industry to accelerate meaningful progress in areas such as improving production capacity and sustainable practices driven by agricultural technology innovation.
    • Collaborate with Indigenous communities to encourage more First Nation, Inuit and Métis-led agriculture and food production through targeted financial support and other business solutions.
  • Enhance mental health services offerings to support those involved in Canada's agriculture and food system. Work with and provide financial support to likeminded organizations to assist producers with mental health issues through greater awareness and knowledge dissemination and provide greater access to services and support networks in rural communities.
  • Continue to expand FCC's advisory services, knowledge offerings and farm management tools to support the broad range of core and emerging business management needs of Canadian producers and agribusiness operators seeking to solve new or specific business challenges.
  • Continue to support the prioritization of Canadian land ownership by providing financing to individuals and entities that are able to legally do business in Canada and meet provincial land ownership requirements.
  • Implement the recommendations outlined in the 2021 Special Examination Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the FCC Board of Directors.
  • Begin to report on climate-related financial risks, in accordance with the Budget 2021 commitment. FCC is encouraged to work with other crown corporations to share best practices.

As Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works to advance sector-specific priorities outlined in my mandate letter, I ask that you continue to support the Deputy Minister, my principal source of public service support and policy advice for the entire Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio, in ensuring a coordinated portfolio. I know that I can count on you and the FCC team to fulfil these priorities and that FCC will commit to tracking and reporting on its progress toward results for Canadians.

In closing, I assure you of my full cooperation so that, together, we can continue to build an innovative, sustainable and prosperous future for agricultural and agri-food producers and processors and protect the sector's reputation for providing high quality food products to Canada and the world.

Sincerely,
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MP

Mandate letter for the Canadian Grain Commission

Mr Doug Chorney
Chief Commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission
600–303 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3G8

Dear Mr Chorney:

Our government recognizes the importance of a vibrant and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector to food security as well as Canada's economy. Despite many recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian grain producers and the entire value chain have shown resilience and continued to operate in a particularly difficult context in order to provide high-quality products to Canadian and global markets.

Now more than ever, it is critical that Canada maximize its contribution to supplying grain to global markets in order to counteract any impacts to global security caused by the current geopolitical and global market instability. I would like to thank the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) for supporting the grain sector in responding to these challenges.

Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change remain urgent priorities for our government, and the sector must be our front-line partner to achieve our targets. In keeping with the ambitious environmental commitments outlined in our climate plan, it is increasingly important for government organizations to collaborate with partners across the grain value chain in reducing the environmental footprint of the grain sector. The CGC has a collaborative role to play in supporting broad climate resiliency, helping the sector achieve a national fertilizer emissions reduction target of 30 percent below 2020 levels and making grain supply chains more efficient, all this while finding innovative ways to add value.

In addition, in accordance with its mandate, I am asking you to provide the leadership necessary to ensure that the CGC delivers on the following priorities:

  • Support the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)-led review of the Canada Grain Act as well as work related to the Agri-Food and Aquaculture Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap to identify what changes are needed to meet the needs of Canada's modern grain sector;
  • Continue to identify and take action on regulatory changes and operational reforms, within the CGC's existing authority, that deliver benefits to producers and the value chain. This will be accomplished in support of the needs of the changing grain sector and in alignment with the broader AAFC-led review;
  • Consider updates to the Surplus Investment Framework to ensure that accumulated surplus funds are used effectively and deliver tangible benefits to the Canadian grain value chain. These updates fall within the context of strategic measures already adopted to prevent surplus accumulation and align with the emerging path forward on the Canada Grain Act review;
  • Collaborate with AAFC officials and sector stakeholders to support Canadian export growth and mitigate international market access risk and technical trade issues through innovative science while leveraging the wealth of evidence collected through grain export monitoring and analytical testing as well as harvest surveys conducted by the CGC; and
  • Promote an inclusive vision for the future of the grain sector that fosters opportunities for women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented groups. Take action to improve diversity within CGC through inclusive recruitment, retention and promotion practices.

As AAFC works to advance sector-specific priorities outlined in my mandate letter, I ask that you continue to support Chris Forbes, Deputy Minister, in his role as my principal source of public service assistance and policy advice for the entire Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio and in ensuring its coordination. I know that I can count on you and the CGC to fulfill these priorities and that you will commit to tracking and reporting on its progress toward results for Canadians.

I assure you of my full cooperation so that together we can continue to build an innovative, sustainable and prosperous future for grain producers and the entire value chain and protect the sector's reputation for providing high-quality grain products to Canada and the world.

Sincerely,
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MP

Federal–provincial–territorial relations

Agriculture is an area of shared jurisdiction

  • Section 95 of the Constitution Act (1867) establishes that jurisdiction over primary agriculture is concurrent for federal and provincial and territorial (FPT) governments.

While both orders of government can create their own agricultural programming, some areas of jurisdiction are clear:

  • Section 91(2) gives the federal government jurisdiction over international and inter-provincial trade and commerce.
  • Provinces have responsibility for intra-provincial trade and commerce under Section 92(13).
  • The federal spending power also enables the advancement of national priorities.

Overall, the FPT relationship in agriculture is strong and characterized by close collaboration in order to maximize benefits and investments for a competitive and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector.

FPT collaboration occurs on many levels

Ministers engage multilaterally through the FPT Ministers of Agriculture Table to set overall FPT policy direction in key areas such as the environment, discuss programming enhancements, such as for the Business Risk Management suite, and to address emerging challenges and threats (for example, African swine fever [ASF]; avian influenza).

The bilateral F-PT relationships complement multilateral efforts, and address the varied local, unique issues such as PT-tailored AgriRecovery responses to disasters (floods and droughts) and research and science partnerships to address the needs of the jurisdiction.

Finally, there are areas where separate federal and PT action also occurs – the federal government has the discretion to create federal-only policies/programs (for example, Agricultural Clean Technology), as do the provinces and territories (for example, domestic market development).

The FPT model is strengthened through agricultural policy frameworks

The FPT relationship is formalized through successive five-year agricultural policy frameworks which define policy priorities and associated programming and funding levels, including how partners will work together.

  • The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the fifth in a series of framework agreements dating back to 2003, was launched on April 1, 2023 (to March 31, 2028) and replaced the previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).
  • The Sustainable CAP sets out a common vision and priorities for a five-year $3.5-billion investment by FPT governments ($1 billion in federal-only and $2.5 billion for cost-shared) to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes a new cost-shared Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) to be administered by PTs which supports ecological goods and services provided by the agriculture sector.

Through the Partnership,

  • Cost-shared program details are defined in bilateral agreements between the federal government and each province/territory at a 60:40 funding ratio.
  • PTs deliver the cost-shared programming in their jurisdictions.
  • Federal-only programs are delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Strengths of the framework approach

National outcomes with regional adaptability

  • Common policy priorities and objectives bring greater consistency and clarity for the sector wherever they live in Canada, with flexibility based on commodities, conditions, local delivery and administration.

Maximizing investments

  • Leveraging FPT resources (60:40 F:PT cost share), while ensuring predictable supports through a common vision and priorities.

Minimizing trade risks

  • Ensuring that supports given to producers are compliant with our current trade obligations.

Coordination to overcome barriers and collaboration on cross-cutting issues

  • Arrangements exist between AAFC portfolio agencies and PT governments on issues relating to regulatory matters such as: food, animal health and plant protection, supply management and grain handling.
  • AAFC and PTs work together, for example, with their respective departments of labour and skills development to advance efforts in recruitment, skills and training.

Key Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada roles

National policy development

  • Working to access and develop new markets for the benefit of the entire sector;
  • Ensuring producers and processors have access to the best science and innovation;
  • Achieving national coherence in priority areas, such as addressing environment and climate change.

Ensuring complementarity of actions and accountability for investments

  • Seeking multilateral action in certain cases while also pursuing federal-only action in others to balance national outcomes with regional flexibilities;
  • Support the collection of data and reporting of results achieved through the Sustainable CAP initiatives.

Facilitating relationships between PTs and other federal departments and agencies on items that intersect with their mandates

  • Labour and temporary foreign workers (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada), trade (Global Affairs Canada), regulations (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), aquaculture (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), movement of goods (Transport Canada).

Annual conference and FPT tables

An Annual Conference of FPT Agriculture Ministers occurs in person every July to set policy direction and foster collaboration on common issues.

  • The federal minister co-chairs the FPT Table with a provincial or territorial co-chair that rotates on an annual basis. Yukon is the co-chair for 2023-2024.
  • The PT co-chair hosts the Annual Conference. This year's Annual Conference is hosted by Yukon and will be from July 17 to 19 in Whitehorse. Last year's conference was in Fredericton and hosted by New Brunswick. The 2025 Ministers' Annual Conference will be in Manitoba.
  • The Annual Conference also offers opportunities for sector engagement and to showcase regional agriculture in the host location.

The Ministers' Table is supported by ongoing meetings of FPT Deputy Ministers (DM) and Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADM).

  • Typically, the DM Table meets every six to eight weeks and the ADM Table every four weeks.
  • Discussions at the Ministers', DMs' and ADMs' Tables range from the latest emerging issues impacting the agriculture and agri-food sector and ways to mitigate those impacts (for example, ASF, labour challenges, avian influenza), to longer-term priorities that drive the agricultural agenda forward (climate change resiliency, trade opportunities).

Current and ongoing FPT priorities

The FPT table has been seized with a number of topics, which are expected to be discussed at upcoming engagements:

  • Animal disease preparedness: Industry engagement and agreement on immediate response programming for avian influenza, ASF, foot and mouth disease, etc.
  • Business risk management (BRM) programming: Programming improvements, and BRM reviews related to environmental considerations
  • Emergency management: Renewing the emergency management framework for agriculture in Canada
  • Grocery Sector Code of Conduct: Supplier-retailer relationship and development and implementation of an industry-led Code
  • Labour: Initiatives to deal with labour shortages
  • Trade and market access issues
  • Other: Pilots to facilitate interprovincial trade; antimicrobial resistance; mitigating bee shortages, Animal Health Canada; science and technology opportunities

Next steps

  • Officials established the broader forward path of meetings for FPT DMs and ADMs leading to the Ministers Annual Conference in July. The next FPT DM meeting is the June 5-6 DM Retreat in Ottawa. Such meetings are to determine key areas of focus to permit strategic discussions and decisions among Ministers for the July 2024 Annual Conference.
  • Bilateral, issue specific, calls can be organized over the summer months as needed.

Annex – PT landscape: British Columbia

  • British Columbia's farm cash receipts were $4.9 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 2.0% of provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • Drought/wildfires have been a growing concern over the last couple of years. [REDACTED]
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Annex – PT landscape: Alberta

  • Alberta's farm cash receipts were $23.3 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 3.0% of provincial GDP.
  • Sector has faced extreme weather conditions in recent years (wildfires, drought). [REDACTED]
  • Canada's largest beef-producing province, with the largest beef processing facilities. [REDACTED]
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Annex - PT landscape: Saskatchewan

  • Saskatchewan's farm cash receipts were $22.7 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 8.8% of provincial GDP.
  • Sector has faced extreme weather conditions in recent years (wildfires, drought).
  • Largest agriculture producing province, it is the top producer of wheat, canola, oats, flax, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas, and has large beef and hog sectors.
  • [REDACTED]
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Annex – PT landscape: Manitoba

  • Manitoba's farm cash receipts were $10.2 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 7.0% of provincial GDP.
  • Manitoba is the national leader in developing emerging sectors, including plant-based technology (proteins) and value-added processing.
  • [REDACTED]
  • It is one of the top hog producing PTs [REDACTED]
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Annex - PT landscape: Ontario

  • Ontario's farm cash receipts were $22.4 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 2.7% of provincial GDP.
  • Largest employer of TFWs [REDACTED]
  • Second largest hog producing province [REDACTED]
  • [REDACTED]
  • Supports its sector through provincial livestock programming [REDACTED]

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Annex – PT landscape: Quebec

  • Quebec's farm cash receipts were $13.0 billion in 2023, with agriculture and agri-food representing 3.0% of provincial GDP.
  • [REDACTED]
  • Quebec Minister Lamontagne is the Provincial Ministerial co-chair with the AAFC Minister on the retail fees issue, which is working to support industry in developing a Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. [REDACTED]
  • Largest hog producing province [REDACTED]
  • Second largest employer of TFWs [REDACTED]
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Annex – PT landscape: Atlantic Canada

  • The Atlantic agriculture sector is small compared to the rest of the country but still accounts for a sizable percentage of provincial GDP.
    • New Brunswick: $1.2 billion in 2023 farm cash receipts, and 4.3% of the province's GDP (agriculture and agri-food only).
    • Nova Scotia: $757 million in 2023 farm cash receipts, and 2.4% of the province's GDP (agriculture and agri-food only).
    • Prince Edward Island: $815 million in 2023 farm cash receipts, and 8.4% of the province's GDP (agriculture and agri-food only).
    • Newfoundland and Labrador: $173 million in 2023 farm cash receipts, and 1.8% of the province's GDP (agriculture and agri-food only).
  • The Atlantic provinces are generally aligned and tend to coordinate efforts on key agriculture issues.
  • Several Atlantic provinces are still dealing with repercussions from recent events, including major climate issues with Hurricane Fiona in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and potato wart in Prince Edward Island.

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Annex – PT landscape: Territories

  • The three territories have a small, but growing agriculture sector. Primary agriculture represents less than 1% of GDP in each of the territories.
  • There is minimal participation of the territories in BRM programming; Yukon had been the only territory participating in past frameworks, but Northwest Territories is now participating for Sustainable CAP [REDACTED]
  • Regional flexibility is key in developing programming, in recognition of the unique climate of the North.
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Stakeholder engagement in the agriculture and agri-food sector

Overview of sector stakeholders

The agriculture portfolio has one of the most extensive and active networks of stakeholders, representing the diversity of the sector, the interests of their members and the breadth of the food system (see Annex). They include:

  • Cross sector associations (for example, Canadian Federation of Agriculture);
  • National sector associations (for example, Canadian Cattle Association);
  • Regional sector associations (for example, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers);
  • Value chain associations (for example, Canola Council of Canada);
  • Producers, processors, academia and other representatives (for example, input suppliers, retailers, environmental experts and technology providers);
  • Non-profit organizations (for example, food rescue and food security associations, community groups and zero waste councils),
  • Underrepresented groups in the sector (for example, women, youth, Black, Indigenous, and people of color [BIPOC]), and
  • Others involved in the food system (for example, Farmers for Climate Solutions, consumer groups).

Stakeholder associations perform a variety of functions for their members such as promotion and marketing (including national breed associations), collaborating with other organizations to advance interests and regularly engaging with governments on priorities.

Importance of engagement

Engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples across the food system is critical to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) work and supports many objectives:

  • Provides the department with broad perspectives to inform policy and program development;
  • Builds trust and regional intelligence to enable quick responses, particularly in times of emergency (for example, labour-related supply chain disruptions);
  • Offers a means to communicate with, mobilize and consult a broad range of views;
  • Enables the department to partner with the sector in the delivery of specialized programming (for example, science and research); and
  • Offers specialized knowledge to the department through organizational reports and data collection (for example, information on labour shortages).

Certain stakeholders also perform public functions, such as delegation of legislative responsibilities (for example, national marketing boards for supply managed products and promotion and research agencies) and setting standards for members (for example, the Dairy Farmers of Canada ProAction Initiative).

How Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada engages

Extensive engagement, consultation and collaboration with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples are built into many aspects of the department's work to ensure policies, programs and activities are designed and delivered effectively.

AAFC has a number of existing formal and informal mechanisms to engage with the sector. These include:

  • National consultations on major policies (for example, Food Policy consultations, the national engagement sessions on the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy);
  • Forming government-industry working groups on key issues (for example, Government-Industry Steering Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation Transparency, Grocery Code of Conduct);
  • The creation of bodies through ministerial appointment to advise on issues (for example, National Program Advisory Committee); and
  • Working with stakeholders bilaterally and at the local level through regional offices on emerging issues.

Sector Engagement Tables

Sector Engagement Tables (SET) represent an established forum for strategic dialogue between government and industry to collectively advance sector growth and competitiveness. SETs were established in response to the Economic Strategy Tables led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

There are four Thematic Tables on cross cutting issues impacting the sector (Agile Regulations, Consumer Demand and Market Trends, Sustainability, and Skills Development). In addition, there are five Sector Tables for Animal Protein, Field Crops, Horticulture, Seafood, and Food Manufacturers. SETs are co-chaired by industry and government representatives. The SET model is overseen by the Leadership Table, co-chaired by the Deputy Minister.

Leadership Table

Membership includes sector and government co-chairs of the Thematic Tables and Sector Tables, the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, and the Food Policy Advisory Council.

Its role is to oversee a bold and robust strategic direction for the tables and identify emerging/new priorities where tables may need to focus.

Engagement tables for underrepresented groups

Distinct tables to work collaboratively with groups underrepresented in the sector

  • Canadian Agricultural Youth Council

Ad hoc engagements

  • Various roundtables with women in the sector throughout the year
  • AAFC also collaborates across the federal government to bring sector perspectives to horizontal initiatives

There are many other government departments that are involved in files related to the agriculture and agri-food sector. These include Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding climate change and the environment issues, Global Affairs Canada regarding international trade, and Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration and Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding labour issues (for example, temporary foreign workers).

Examples of recent strategic engagement

  • The AAFC-led Government-Industry Steering Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation Transparency was launched in June 2023. The committee facilitates seed sector engagement to improve transparency in the sale of seed varieties produced using plant breeding innovation and supports the integrity of organic certification.
  • [Redacted]
  • On international trade, the department consults through the Agriculture Trade Negotiations Consultation Group (ATNCG), made up of key industry stakeholders. The Consultation Group serves as a forum for AAFC officials to provide industry stakeholders updates on the latest developments in Canada's ongoing bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. This forum is also used to solicit the input and views of industry on these negotiations as they progress from start to finish. We also periodically send out announcement e-mails concerning important developments in the trade negotiations when active or when a trade irritant is identified. Prioritization of targeted engagement of underrepresented and marginalized groups: strategic forums including the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, ad hoc Women's Roundtables, and engagement with Indigenous Peoples. Targeted engagement with Métis partners in May 2023 and First Nations focus group sessions in June 2023 on the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.
  • Ongoing engagement through Animal Health Canada (AHC) allows for government-industry discussion on policy development and program response (for example, African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, antimicrobial resistance). The principle and collaboration of AHC support transparency, coordination, communications, and decision-making to address sector impacts of both a disease and non-disease emergency/threats.

Annex: Key stakeholders

Cross-sectoral associations

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is a national umbrella organization representing producers, composed of provincial general farm organizations and national and interprovincial commodity groups. The Union des producteurs agricoles in Quebec is the largest and most active of the provincial organizations.

The Canadian Organic Growers is a national organization representing organic producers with emphasis on extension services for organic and transitioning producers. The Organic Federation of Canada is the national lead on organics standards development.

Livestock production

Supply management groups

Field crops

Horticulture

Fish, seafood, and aquaculture

Processing

Retail and food service

Trade

Food security

Others

Youth

Women

Indigenous rightsholders

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