[Redacted] appears where sensitive information has been removed in accordance with the principles of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food mandate letter
December 16, 2021
Dear Minister Bibeau:
Thank you for continuing to serve Canadians as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
From the beginning of this pandemic, Canadians have faced a once-in-a-century challenge. And through it all, from coast to coast to coast, people have met the moment. When it mattered most, Canadians adapted, helped one another, and stayed true to our values of compassion, courage and determination. That is what has defined our path through this pandemic so far. And that is what will pave our way forward.
During a difficult time, Canadians made a democratic choice. They entrusted us to finish the fight against COVID-19 and support the recovery of a strong middle class. At the same time, they also gave us clear direction: to take bold, concrete action to build a healthier, more resilient future. That is what Canadians have asked us to do and it is exactly what our Government is ready to deliver. We will work to build that brighter future through continued collaboration, engagement, and the use of science and evidence-based decision-making. With an unwavering focus on delivering results, we will work constructively with Parliamentarians and maintain our strong partnerships with provincial, territorial and municipal governments and Indigenous partners. This decade has had an incredibly difficult start, but this is the moment to rebuild a more resilient, inclusive and stronger country for everyone.
The science is clear. Canadians have been clear. We must not only continue taking real climate action, we must also move faster and go further. As Canadians are increasingly experiencing across the country, climate change is an existential threat. Building a cleaner, greener future will require a sustained and collaborative effort from all of us. As Minister, I expect you to seek opportunities within your portfolio to support our whole-of-government effort to reduce emissions, create clean jobs and address the climate-related challenges communities are already facing.
This year, Canadians were horrified by the discovery of unmarked graves and burial sites near former residential schools. These discoveries underscore that we must move faster on the path of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We know that reconciliation cannot come without truth and our Government will continue to invest in that truth. As Ministers, each of us has a duty to further this work, both collectively and as individuals. Consequently, I am directing every Minister to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights.
We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society, including our core institutions. To this effect, it is essential that Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in our Government's priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2 Canadians, and, in both official languages.
Across our work, we remain committed to ensuring that public policies are informed and developed through an intersectional lens, including applying frameworks such as Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and the quality of life indicators in decision-making.
Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate and timely news. I expect you to maintain professional and respectful relationships with journalists to ensure that Canadians are well informed and have the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Canadians and their governments have adapted to new realities. Governments must draw on lessons learned from the pandemic to further adapt and develop more agile and effective ways to serve Canadians. To this end, I expect all Ministers to evaluate ways we can update our practices to ensure our Government continues to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The success of this Parliament will require Parliamentarians, both in the House of Commons and the Senate, to work together across all parties to get big things done for Canadians. I expect you to maintain constructive relationships with your Opposition Critics and coordinate any legislation with the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. As Minister, you are accountable to Parliament both individually, for your style of leadership and the performance of your responsibilities, and collectively, in support of our Ministry and decisions taken by Cabinet. "Open and Accountable Government" sets out these core principles and the standards of conduct expected of you and your office. I expect you to familiarize yourself with this document, which outlines my expectations for each member of the Ministry.
Our platform lays out an ambitious agenda. While finishing the fight against the pandemic must remain our central focus, we must continue building a strong middle class and work toward a better future where everyone has a real and fair chance at success and no one is left behind.
As Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, as an immediate priority, you will develop a sector-specific strategy to address persistent and chronic labour shortages in farming and food processing. You will also prioritize measures to support efficiency and climate-resiliency in the agriculture and food sector to strengthen food security and significantly cut agriculture's environmental footprint, as well as working closely with provinces and territories and producers to support the sustainable growth of the agricultural and agri-food sectors, with an aim to establish Canada as a global leader in the sector. Furthermore, you will strengthen Canada's food system, with particular emphasis on developing a National School Food Policy.
To realize these objectives, I ask that you achieve results for Canadians by delivering the following commitments.
- Work with provinces and territories to update business risk management programs, including to integrate climate risk management, environmental practices and climate readiness. Ensure that producers, including Indigenous, young and women farmers, have the opportunity to contribute.
- With the support of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and in partnership with provinces and territories, employers, unions and workers, develop a sector-specific Agricultural Labour Strategy to address persistent and chronic labour shortages in farming and food processing in the short and long term.
- As part of a green agricultural plan for Canada, increase support to farmers to develop and adopt agricultural management practices to reduce emissions, store carbon in healthy soil and enhance resiliency; triple funding for clean tech on farms, including for renewable energy, precision agriculture and energy efficiency; and work with farmers and stakeholders to reduce methane and fertilizer emissions in the agricultural sector.
- Support the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion to implement sector-based work permits and strengthen the inspection regime to ensure the health and safety of temporary foreign workers.
- With respect to pathways for agricultural temporary foreign workers, support the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to expand pathways to Permanent Residence for international students and temporary foreign workers through the Express Entry system.
- With the support of colleagues, take every necessary precaution to prevent the introduction of African swine fever within our borders, and continue to work with provinces and territories and industry stakeholders on prevention and preparedness measures, including a cost-shared response plan.
- Continue to protect supply-managed agricultural sectors, our family farms and the vitality of our rural areas, working with supply-managed sectors to provide full and fair compensation with respect to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and making this determination within the first year of our mandate. You will be supported in this work by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development.
- Working with provincial and territorial governments, develop the next agricultural policy framework to continue to support the sustainable economic growth of the agriculture and agri-food sector, ensuring climate action and resilience are core to the framework.
- In support of "A Food Policy for Canada", continue to strengthen Canada's food system by:
- Working with the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and to work toward a national school nutritious meal program; and
- Creating a No-Waste Food Fund to help all players along the food supply chain to commercialize and adopt ways to eliminate, reduce or repurpose food waste.
- Support the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and secure supply chains.
- Support food producers who choose alternative pest management approaches that reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
- Continue to explore next steps to modernize the Canada Grain Act and ensure it meets the needs of the sector now and in the future.
- Support the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to establish a Canada Water Agency and implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems, starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe, the Lake Winnipeg Basin, the Fraser River Basin and the Mackenzie River Basin. Invest in the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research.
- Ban the live export of horses for slaughter.
As Minister, you are also responsible for actively engaging with your Cabinet and Caucus colleagues. As we deliver on our platform commitments, it will be important that members of the Ministry continue to collaborate and work constructively to support rigorous and productive Cabinet decision-making. I expect you to support your colleagues in delivering their commitments, leveraging the expertise of your department and your own lived experiences.
To best achieve results for Canadians, Ministers must be rigorous and coordinated in our approach to implementation. I would therefore ask that you return to me with a proposed approach for the delivery of your mandate commitments, including priorities for early implementation. Furthermore, to ensure we are accountable for our work, I will be asking you to publicly report to me, and all Canadians, on your progress toward these commitments on a regular basis.
As we have been reminded throughout the pandemic, adapting to change is not only something government should do, it is something government must do. As you work to fulfill our commitments, I expect you to actively consider new ideas and issues as they emerge, whether through public engagement, your work with Parliamentarians or advice from the public service. I also expect you to work with your Deputy Minister to assess priorities on a continual basis as we build a better future for all Canadians. In addition to achieving results, you are responsible for overseeing the work of your department and ensuring the effective operation of your portfolio.
As you staff your office and implement outreach and recruitment strategies for federally appointed leadership positions and boards, I ask that you uphold the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This helps ensure that federal workplaces are dynamic and reflective of the Canadians we serve. You will also ensure your Minister's office and portfolio are reflective of our commitment to healthy and safe workplaces.
Canadians expect us to work hard, speak truthfully and be committed to advancing their interests and aspirations. When we make mistakes – as we all will – Canadians expect us to acknowledge them, and most importantly, to learn from them.
I know I can count on you to fulfill the important responsibilities entrusted in you, and to turn to me, and the Deputy Prime Minister, early and often to support you in your role as Minister.
Sincerely,
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Summary of mandate letter commitment status
| Commitment | Expected completion date | Delivery status | Overall status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update business risk management programs, integrating climate risk management, environmental practices and climate readiness. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Develop a sector-specific Agricultural Labour Strategy to address labour shortages. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| As part of a green agricultural plan for Canada, increase support to farmers to develop and adopt agricultural management practices to reduce emissions, store carbon in healthy soil and enhance resiliency, and work with farmers and stakeholders to reduce methane and fertilizer emissions in the agricultural sector. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| As part of a green agricultural plan for Canada, triple funding for cleantech on farms, including for renewable energy, precision agriculture and energy efficiency. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| With the support of colleagues, take every necessary precaution to prevent the introduction of African swine fever within our borders, and continue to work with provinces and territories and industry stakeholders on prevention and preparedness measures, including a cost-shared response plan. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Protect supply-managed agricultural sectors, including by providing full and fair compensation with respect to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and making this determination within the first year of the mandate. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Develop the next agricultural policy framework. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Create a No-Waste Food Fund to eliminate, reduce or repurpose food waste. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Support food producers who choose alternative pest management approaches that reduce the need for chemical pesticides. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Explore next steps to modernize the Canada Grain Act. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
| Ban the live export of horses for slaughter. | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] |
Key acronyms, abbreviations and terminology
Key terms and acronyms
| Acronyms | Terms | Acronymes | Termes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACS | Agricultural Climate Solutions | SAC | Solutions agricoles pour le climat |
| ACT | Agricultural Clean Technology | TPA | Technologies propres en agriculture |
| AgLS | Agricultural Labour Strategy | SMAG | Stratégie sur la main-d'œuvre agricole |
| AMPA | Agricultural Marketing Programs Act | LPCA | Loi sur les programmes de commercialisation agricole |
| APMA | Agricultural Products Marketing Act | LCPA | Loi sur la commercialisation des produits agricoles |
| APMS | Alternative Pest Management Solutions | SRLA | Solutions de rechange pour la lutte antiparasitaire |
| APP | Advance Payments Program | PPA | Programme de paiements anticipés |
| ASF | African Swine Fever | PPA | Peste porcine africaine |
| ASFIPP | African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program | PPIPPA | Programme de préparation de l'industrie à la peste porcine africaine |
| BA | Bilateral Agreement | AB | Accord bilateral |
| BMP | Beneficial Management Practice | PGB | Pratique de gestion bénéfique |
| BRM | Business Risk Management | GRE | Gestion des risques de l'entreprise |
| CAHRC | Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council | CCRHA | Conseil canadien pour les ressources humaines en agriculture |
| CALA | Canadian Agricultural Loans Act | LCPA | Loi canadienne sur les prêts agricoles |
| CAP | Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Policy Framework 2018-19 to 2022-23) | PCA | Partenariat canadien pour l'agriculture (cadre stratégique 2018-2019 à 2022-2023) |
| CART | Canadian Agricultural Review Tribunal | CRAC | Commission de révision agricole du Canada |
| CASPP | Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | PCPSA | Programme canadien des priorités stratégiques de l'agriculture |
| CDC | Canadian Dairy Commission | CCL | Commission canadienne du lait |
| CFPAC | Canadian Food Policy Advisory Committee | CCPAC | Conseil consultatif de la politique alimentaire du Canada |
| CGA | Canada Grain Act | LGC | Loi sur les grains du Canada |
| CGC | Canadian Grain Commission | CCG | Commission canadienne des grains |
| CMB | Corporate Management Branch | DGGI | Direction générale de la gestion intégrée |
| CPMA | Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency | ACPM | Agence canadienne du pari mutuel |
| CSSP | Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program | PCCSM | Programme canadien de contrôle de la salubrité des mollusques |
| CUSMA | Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement | ACEUM | Accord Canada–États-Unis–Mexique |
| CWA | Canada Water Agency | ACE | Agence canadienne de l'eau |
| DAC | Departmental Audit Committee | CMA | Comité ministériel d'audit |
| DDPP | Dairy Direct Payment Program | PPDPL | Programme de paiements directs pour les producteurs laitiers |
| DFIP | Dairy Farm Investment Program | PIFL | Programme d'investissement pour fermes laitières |
| DGMC | Directors General Management Committee | CGDG | Comité de gestion des directeurs généraux |
| DGPPMC | Directors General Policy and Program Management Committee | CGPPDG | Comité de gestion des politiques et des programmes des directeurs généraux |
| DIIF | Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund | FIISL | Fonds pour l'innovation et l'investissement dans le secteur laitier |
| EFSF | Emergency Food Security Fund | FUSA | Fonds d'urgence pour la sécurité alimentaire |
| FCC | Farm Credit Canada | FAC | Financement agricole Canada |
| FCSAP | Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan | PASCF | Plan d'action pour les sites contaminés fédéraux |
| FDMS | Farm Debt Mediation Service | SMMEA | Service de médiation en matière d'endettement agricole |
| FLWRAP | Food Loss and Waste Reduction Action Plan | PARPGA | Plan d'action pour la réduction des pertes et du gaspillage alimentaires |
| FPCC | Farm Products Council of Canada | CPAC | Conseil des produits agricoles du Canada |
| FPT | Federal-Provincial-Territorial | FPT | Fédéral-provincial-territorial |
| FSN | Food Sector Network | RSA | Réseau du secteur alimentaire |
| FWAP | Freshwater Action Plan | PAED | Plan d'action sur l'eau douce |
| GAP | Green Agricultural Plan (now titled Sustainable Agriculture Strategy) | PAV | Plan pour une agriculture verte (maintenant appelé Stratégie pour une agriculture durable) |
| GF | Growing Forward (Policy Framework 2008-09 to 2012-13) | CA | Cultivons l'avenir (cadre stratégique 2008-2009 à 2012-2013) |
| GF2 | Growing Forward 2 (Policy Framework 2013-14 to 2017-18) | CA2 | Cultivons l'avenir 2 (cadre stratégique 2013-2014 à 2017-2018) |
| IAB | International Affairs Branch | DGAI | Direction générale des affaires internationales |
| IAFSI | Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative | ISAAA | Initiative sur les systèmes agricoles et alimentaires autochtones |
| ISB | Information Systems Branch | DGSI | Direction générale des systèmes d'information |
| ISC | Innovative Solutions Canada | SIC | Solutions innovatrices Canada |
| KW/K-space | Knowledge Workspace/SharePoint | ||
| LFIF | Local Food Infrastructure Fund | FIAL | Fonds des infrastructures alimentaires locales |
| LPI | Livestock Price Insurance | PAPB | Programme d'assurance des prix du bétail |
| MFA | Multilateral Framework Agreement | ACM | Accord-cadre multilateral |
| MISB | Market and Industry Services Branch | DGSIM | Direction générale des services à l'industrie et aux marchés |
| NAS | National Adaptation Strategy | SNA | Stratégie nationale d'adaptation |
| NHCAP | AAFC National Headquarters (Ottawa) (National Headquarters Complex for the Agriculture Portfolio) | CACPA | Administration centrale d'AAC (Ottawa) (Complexe de l'administration centrale du portefeuille de l'agriculture) |
| NIA | National Industry Association | ANI | Associations nationales de l'industrie |
| NPF | Next Policy Framework | PCS | Prochain cadre stratégique |
| NWFF | No-Waste Food Fund | FLCGA | Fonds de lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire |
| OAE | Office of Audit and Evaluation | BVE | Bureau de la vérification et de l'évaluation |
| OFCAF | On-Farm Climate Action Fund | FAFC | Fonds d'action à la ferme pour le climat |
| PAB | Public Affairs Branch | DGAP | Direction générale des affaires publiques |
| PB | Programs Branch | DGP | Direction générale des programmes |
| PMC | Pest Management Centre | CLA | Centre de la lutte antiparasitaire |
| PMRA | Pest Management Regulatory Agency | ARLA | Agence de réglementation de la lutte antiparasitaire |
| PEFIP | Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program | PIFVO | Programme d'investissement à la ferme pour la volaille et les œufs |
| PPP | Price Pooling Program | PMCP | Programme de mise en commun des prix |
| RALP | Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program | PPAR | Programme de paysages agricoles résilients |
| RDC | Research Development Centre | CRD | Centre de recherche et de développement |
| RDT | Research, Development and Technology | RDT | Recherche, développement et technologie |
| REP | Recognized Employer Pilot | PPER | Projet pilote sur les employeurs reconnus |
| RMC | Resource Management Committee | CGR | Comité de gestion des ressources |
| SAS | Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (formerly Green Agricultural Plan) | SAD | Stratégie pour une agriculture durable (anciennement le Plan pour une agriculture verte) |
| SHMP | Surplus Hog Management Program | PGPE | Programme de gestion des porcs excédentaires |
| SLAM | Strategic Look Ahead Meeting | RSAV | Réunion stratégique des activités à venir |
| SM | Supply managed/supply management | GO | Sous gestion de l'offre/gestion de l'offre |
| SMC | Senior Management Committee | CHD | Comité de la haute direction |
| SMPIF | Supply Management Processing Investment Fund | FITPGO | Fonds d'investissement dans la transformation des produits sous gestion de l'offre |
| SPPC | Strategic Planning and Policy Committee | CPPS | Comité de la planification et des politiques stratégiques |
| SRI | Science, Research and Innovation | SRI | Science, recherche et innovation |
| Sustainable CAP | Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Policy Framework 2023-24 to 2027-28) | PCA durable | Partenariat canadien pour une agriculture durable (cadre stratégique 2023-2024 à 2027-2028) |
| SNF | Solids Non-Fat | SNG | Solides non gras |
| SPB | Strategic Policy Branch | DGPS | Direction générale des politiques stratégiques |
| SPO | SharePoint Online | ||
| STB | Science and Technology Branch | DGST | Direction générale des sciences et de la technologie |
| TFW | Temporary Foreign Worker | TET | Travailleurs étrangers temporaires |
| TFWP | Temporary Foreign Worker Program | PTET | Programme des travailleurs étrangers temporaires |
| UNDA | United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act | LDNU | Loi sur la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones |
| WSSP | Wine Sector Support Program | PASV | Programme d'aide au secteur du vin |
| YESP | Youth Employment and Skills Program | PECJ | Programme d'emploi et de compétences des jeunes |
| YESS | Youth Employment and Skills Strategy | SECJ | Stratégie emploi et compétences jeunesse |
Branches
| Branches | Directions générales |
|---|---|
| Agriculture and Food Inspection Legal Services – AAFC | Services juridiques – Agriculture et inspection des aliments – AAC |
| Corporate Management Branch | Direction générale de la gestion intégrée |
| Deputy Minister's Office | Bureau du sous-ministre |
| Information Systems Branch | Direction générale des systèmes d'information |
| International Affairs Branch | Direction générale des affaires internationales |
| Market and Industry Services Branch | Direction générale des services à l'industrie et aux marchés |
| Minister's Office | Cabinet du ministre |
| Office of Audit and Evaluation | Bureau de la vérification et de l'évaluation |
| Programs Branch | Direction générale des programmes |
| Public Affairs Branch | Direction générale des affaires publiques |
| Science and Technology Branch | Direction générale des sciences et de la technologie |
| Strategic Policy Branch | Direction générale des politiques stratégiques |
Portfolio partners
| Portfolio partners | Partenaires du portefeuille |
|---|---|
| Canadian Dairy Commission | Commission canadienne du lait |
| Canadian Grain Commission | Commission canadienne des grains |
| Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal | Commission de révision agricole du Canada |
| Farm Products Council of Canada | Conseil des produits agricoles du Canada |
| Farm Credit Canada | Financement agricole Canada |
| Canadian Food Inspection Agencyfootnote 1 | Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments |
|
Note:
|
|
Agricultural policy framework
| Agricultural policy framework | Cadre stratégique pour l'agriculture |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) | Partenariat canadien pour une agriculture durable (PCA durable) |
| Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) | Partenariat canadien pour l'agriculture (PCA) |
| Growing Forward 2 (GF2) | Cultivons l'avenir 2 (CA2) |
| Growing Forward | Cultivons l'avenir |
Sustainable CAP federal programs
| Sustainable CAP federal programs | Programmes fédéraux du PCA durable |
|---|---|
AgriAssurance
|
Agri-assurance
|
| AgriCompetitiveness | Agri-compétitivité |
| AgriDiversity | Agri-diversité |
| AgriInnovate | Agri-innover |
AgriMarketing
|
Agri-marketing
|
AgriScience
|
Agri-science
|
Cost-shared business risk management programs
| Cost-shared business risk management programs | Programmes de gestion des risques de l'entreprise à frais partagés |
|---|---|
| AgriInsurance | Agri-protection |
| AgriInvest | Agri-investissement |
| AgriRecovery | Agri-relance |
| AgriStability | Agri-stabilité |
Sustainable CAP priority areas
| Sustainable CAP priority areas | Domaines prioritaires du PCA durable |
|---|---|
| Climate change and environment | Changement climatiques et environment |
| Market development and trade | Développement des marchés et échanges commerciaux |
| Building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness | Renforcement de la capacité, de la croissance et de la compétitivité du secteur |
| Resiliency and public trust | Résilience et confiance du public |
| Science, research and innovation | Science, recherche et innovation |