Book 1 — Departmental overview: minister's transition book 2025, AAFC

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is a federal organization of approximately 5,200 employees based across Canada who support our world-leading agriculture and agri-food sector.

AAFC's annual budget is over $3.991 billion with our main areas of focus being science and innovation, trade and market growth, and risk mitigation and management.

AAFC is at the centre of Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio which includes the Canadian Dairy Commission, the Canadian Grain Commission, the Farm Products Council of Canada, Farm Credit Canada and the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal. We also work closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

To achieve our mandate, we must collaborate with a range of partners and stakeholders:

• other federal departments;
• provinces and territories;
• Indigenous communities and organizations;
• international organizations;
• academia; and
• organizations representing:
  • producers;
  • processors;
  • consumers; and
  • civil society.

AAFC’s national and international presence

• 5,198 total employees (not including 140 casual employees and 612 students)
• Over 2,440 employees based in research centres across the country
• Over 2,150 at headquarters in Ottawa
• Over 400 working at headquarters in Winnipeg
• AAFC has 30 Locally Engaged Staff and 12 Canada-Based Staff abroad in Canadian embassies/consulates/missions internationally through an agreement with Global Affairs Canada

(The employee count comprises indeterminate, term over 3 months and seasonal employees who are active, suspended or on Leave with Pay. It excludes 34 individuals on a secondment, 612 students, 140 casuals and 2 terms less than 3 months. It also excludes Governor in Council appointees, Ministers’ exempt staff, federal and deputy ministers.)

AAFC has regional offices and research and development centres across Canada, which are organized into 3 regions: Coastal (Atlantic and Pacific), Prairies and Quebec and Ontario. They are located in:

• British Columbia: Agassiz, Summerland, Burnaby
• Alberta: Lacombe, Lethbridge, Edmonton
• Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Swift Current, Regina
• Manitoba: Brandon, Morden, Winnipeg
• Ontario: Harrow, London, Guelph, Ottawa
• Quebec: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Sherbrooke, Saint-Hyacinthe, Montréal, Québec
• New Brunswick: Fredericton
• Nova Scotia: Kentville, Truro, Halifax
• Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
• Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's

AAFC's strong regional and international presence allows for high-quality intelligence, analysis and engagement on regional agricultural conditions, key issues and supply capacity.

To learn more about the science and research activities conducted at each location: Facilities | Directory of scientists and professionals (science.gc.ca)

Core areas of responsibility and spending

AAFC's annual budget is over $3.991 billion — a mix of voted and statutory funds.

AAFC tracks plans and results in 3 core areas of responsibility: Market Growth, Science and Innovation and Risk Mitigation.

More than three-quarters of the budget is dedicated to grants and contributions programs, which provide direct support to the sector.

Business risk management (BRM) programs, which fall under sector risk (for example, AgriStability, AgriInvest), and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programming, which spans all areas of responsibility, are a significant expenditure.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada branches and leadership team

Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister's Office

• The Deputy Minister is the main adviser to the Minister and the Deputy Minister's Office is main liaison with the Minister's Office.
• The Corporate Secretariat provides support in the areas of parliamentary affairs, portfolio coordination, appointments, correspondence, governance and administration.
  • Corporate Secretary: Tammy Abel
• The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, informal, confidential and impartial space for all AAFC employees to address workplace issues.
  • Workplace Well-Being Ombuds: Elianne Hall

Corporate Management Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer: To be confirmed

• Responsibilities: Strategic partner for client branches and central agencies to ensure the sound stewardship of the department's human and financial resources, and to deliver innovative client services across a range of functions including procurement, real property, human resources, reporting and pay.

International Affairs Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Kathleen Donohue

• Responsibilities: Implementation of sector trade priorities in the areas of regulatory and technical import-export functions; market access, advocacy and trade policy; market development and diversification; and engagement with stakeholders in Canada and abroad.
• International Affairs Branch has both AAFC and CFIA employees.

Information Systems Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Nasser Alsukayri

• Responsibilities: Equipping the AAFC workforce with the latest digital tools, data resources and modern technology infrastructure, thereby enabling the department to effectively perform core functions and deliver on its mandates and priorities.

Market and Industry Services Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Tom Rosser

• Responsibilities: Bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, market information and analysis, sector engagement, regional intelligence, and emergency management to support the economic growth and long-term prosperity of the agriculture and agri-food industry domestically and internationally.

Public Affairs Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Mary Dila

• Responsibilities: Strategic and operational activities for internal and external communications, including media relations, marketing, social media and public opinion research. Departmental lead for the management and delivery of translation and Access to Information and Privacy services.

Programs Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Liz Foster

• Responsibilities: Design, delivery and management of the department's Grants and Contributions and Statutory programs and services to support producers, businesses and sector organizations.

Science and Technology Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Gilles Saindon; Associate Assistant Deputy Minister: Andrew Goldstein

• Responsibilities: Research, development and technology transfer activities at 20 research centres and sites to serve producers, processors, industry and Canadians.

Strategic Policy Branch

Assistant Deputy Minister: Shannon Nix

• Responsibilities: Integrated policy development through strategic planning, policy analysis, research and liaison with industry, other levels of government, central agencies and other government departments.

Office of Audit and Evaluation

Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive: John Corbeil

• Responsibilities: Audits and evaluations to provide independent and objective advice to support AAFC senior leaders in making decisions and delivering on the AAFC mandate.

Agriculture and Food Inspection Legal Services

Executive Director and Senior General Counsel: Kristine Allen

• Responsibilities: Legal advisory services to AAFC, helping the department to develop policy and to draft and reform laws, and providing advisory support in the context of litigation.
• Shared between AAFC and CFIA.

The broader agricultural portfolio

The Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio includes AAFC and 5 other organizations:

• Canadian Dairy Commission
• Canadian Grain Commission
• Farm Products Council of Canada
• Farm Credit Canada
• Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

Each organization provides important services to support the sector and Canadians, through legislative/regulatory functions, financial services and broader industry engagement. Ultimately, the Minister is responsible to report to Parliament and Canadians on the activities of the department and portfolio.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reports to the Minister of Health. CFIA is not part of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio but works closely with AAFC. The Minister is responsible for the activities of CFIA that do not relate to food safety.

As part of the Corporate Management Branch, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency is a special operating agency/revolving fund within AAFC that regulates and supervises pari-mutuel betting (a unique pool-betting system) in Canada on horse races. This agency ultimately benefits the public interest through ensuring pari-mutuel betting is conducted in a way that is fair to the public.

Portfolio organizations and leadership

While each organization has its own Deputy Head, the Deputy Minister is responsible for advising the Minister on all matters under the Minister's responsibility and authority.

Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC)

Chief Executive Officer: Benoit Basillais

Chair: Jennifer Hayes

• Headquartered in Ottawa, on the Central Experimental Farm, the CDC is a Crown Corporation that helps manage Canada's dairy industry, including support prices and quota under the supply management system for dairy.
• The CDC has 85 employees and an annual budget of $17.5 million.

Canadian Grain Commission (CGC)

Chief Commissioner: David Hunt

• Headquartered in Winnipeg, the CGC regulates grain handling in Canada and establishes and maintains science-based standards of quality for Canadian grain.
• The CGC has 485 employees across the country and an annual budget of $80.69 million.

Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC)

Chair: Brian Douglas

• Headquartered in Ottawa, on the Central Experimental Farm, FPCC provides oversight of the national supply management agencies for poultry and eggs, and supervises national promotion and research agencies for farm products.
• The FPCC has 18 employees and a forecast annual budget of approximately $3.2 million.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Chief Executive Officer: Justine Hendricks

Board Chair: Jane Halford

• Headquartered in Regina, FCC is a financially self-sustaining federal Crown Corporation that provides financing to agricultural customers.
• FCC has 2,500 employees operating from 103 offices across Canada. FCC's current lending portfolio is over $53.6 billion in loans, providing funds to close to 103,000 customers across Canada.

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART)

Chair: Emily Crocco

• Headquartered in Ottawa, CART is an independent tribunal providing impartial review of cases brought by those charged with bringing animal or plant products into the country without permission or failing to meet standards for humane transport of animals.
• CART has one full-time chairperson and 3 part-time members. The Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada provides registry, legal and adjudicator support.

Legislative authorities and shared jurisdiction

AAFC and the Portfolio administer over 30 federal Acts related to agriculture and agri-food.

The Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act says the Minister is responsible for: "agriculture; products derived from agriculture; and research related to agriculture and products derived from agriculture including the operation of experimental farm stations." The Act enables the department to support the sector from the farm through all phases of producing, processing and marketing of agriculture products to consumers in Canada and in global markets.

Some other key Acts include the: Farm Income Protection Act; Canadian Agricultural Loans Act; Agricultural Products Marketing Act; Safe Food for Canadians Act. These allow AAFC to deliver agricultural financial programs, marketing statutes, standards and regulations that ultimately contribute to the sector's performance and safety.

Section 95 of the Constitution identifies agriculture as a shared jurisdiction in Canada. A high level of engagement is required between AAFC and the provincial and territorial governments in order to develop and deliver policies and programs that effectively support the sector across Canada.

Five-year federal–provincial–territorial policy frameworks define the manner, purpose and context in which governments work together on agricultural issues. Much of AAFC's work and spending falls under the framework.

AAFC has a total of 5,198 employees, with 41.5% working in the National Capital Region.

This includes employees (indeterminate, term over 3 months and seasonal) who are active, suspended or on Leave with Pay. It excludes 34 individuals on a secondment, 612 students, 140 casuals and 2 terms less than 3 months. It does not include Governor in Council appointees, Ministers' exempt staff, federal and deputy ministers.

AAFC's 2024-2025 budget

• Operating: $701.1 million
• Capital: $73.9 million
• Voted grants and contributions: $956.6 million
• Statutory: $2,259.3 million
• Total: $3.991 billion

AAFC has research and development centres and offices in the following locations across Canada:

• Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Whitehorse
• British Columbia: Agassiz, Summerland, Burnaby
• Alberta: Lacombe, Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton
• Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Swift Current, Regina
• Manitoba: Brandon, Morden, Winnipeg
• Ontario: Harrow, London, Guelph, Jerseyville, Ottawa
• Quebec: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Sherbrooke, Saint-Hyacinthe, Montréal, Québec
• New Brunswick: Fredericton, Moncton
• Nova Scotia: Kentville, Truro, Halifax
• Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
• Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's

AAFC tracks plans and results in 3 core areas of responsibility

Domestic and international markets

• Support sector competitiveness at home and abroad
• Increase export opportunities for the sector by maintaining and expanding access in key markets

Science and innovation

• Conduct collaborative scientific research with industry, Indigenous groups, other governments and departments, academia and international partners
• Develop new knowledge/technologies and transfer them to the sector
• Work with industry and other partners to strengthen the sector's capacity to develop and adopt innovative practices, products and processes
• Enhance environmental performance and sector resiliency to the effects brought on by climate change

Sector risk

• Work to mitigate production risks, environmental impacts, and financial/market issues
• Support the sector to develop systems, standards and tools to manage risks

Portfolio partners

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for all organizations in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio, including:

• Canadian Dairy Commission
• Canadian Grain Commission
• Farm Credit Canada
• Farm Products Council of Canada
• Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

While not part of the portfolio, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's non-food safety activities are also under the responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, including economic and trade issues, and protecting consumer, animal and plant health.

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 Agriculture and Agri-Food 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 $1.01 billion in 2024–25 and total planned revenue from all business lines (food safety, animal health, and plant health) is $53 million. (Source: 2024–25 Departmental Plan)

Full-time equivalents (FTEs): 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 $53.6 billion in loans (September 30, 2024), FCC is Canada's largest provider of capital to agriculture, agri-business, and food producers. FCC has close to 103,000 customers serviced by 103 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 September 30, 2024, FCC's portfolio increased to $53.6 billion (from $50.8 billion on March 31, 2024) and net income amounted to $524 million (Source: Second Quarter Financial Report 2024-25).

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

FTEs: 2,500

Board of Directors

President & 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 (second term, initially appointed as Director on December 15, 2014)

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

Director: Sylvie Cloutier 
Appointment: April 5, 2012 to January 26, 2026 (fourth term)

Director: Michele Hengen 
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to February 16, 2029 (third term)

Director: James Laws 
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to February 16, 2029 (third term)

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

Director: Govert Verstralen 
Appointment: November 9, 2017 to February 16, 2029 (third term)

Director: 3 vacant positions

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.

On 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 2023-24, the salary of CART's four adjudicators (including one full-time Chairperson and three part-time adjudicators) was $243,634.

FTEs

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 four 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 (FAA).

Part-time Member: Geneviève Parent 
Appointment: August 15, 2017 to August 30, 2027 (fourth term)

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

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

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. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the CDC administers and delivers 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

$17.5 million for the dairy year ending July 31, 2025, including $5.1 million from government appropriations. The remaining $12.4 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 2024–25 to 2028–29 Corporate Plan Summary)

FTEs: 85

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 (first term, initially appointed as member January 3, 2017)

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; and
• 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)

FTEs: 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: Vacant

Commissioner: Mr. Lonny McKague
Appointment: February 13, 2017 to February 28, 2027 (third term)

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 (PRAs). 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 seven 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)
• Canadian Industrial Hemp Promotion-Research Agency (2024)

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 forecasted budget is approximately $3.2 million.

FTEs: 18

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

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 three and seven members. Currently, the FPCC has five 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 (third term)

Member: Morgan Moore
Appointment: June 19, 2019 to June 18, 2026 (third term)

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

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 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

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

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 fulfill 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 co-operation 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

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 co-operation. 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

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% 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 co-operation 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

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 interprovincial 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 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; avian influenza). This table has also jointly supported industry-led initiatives such as the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.

The bilateral FPT 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 replace the previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and will expire on March 31, 2028.

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) 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 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 through cost-shared programs 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 AAFC roles

National policy development, such as

• 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.

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. Manitoba is the co-chair for 2024-2025.

• The 2025 Annual Conference will be in Winnipeg from July 16 to 18. Yukon was the 2024 co-chair, and the Annual Conference was in Whitehorse, Yukon.
• 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 quarterly and the ADM Table meets monthly.
• 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:

• [REDACTED]
• Animal disease preparedness: Industry engagement and FPT mitigation and response efforts for avian influenza, ASF, foot and mouth disease, etc.
• Business risk management (BRM) programming: Programming improvements, including potential changes related to environmental considerations
• Emergency management: Renewing the emergency management framework for agriculture in Canada
• Grocery Sector Code of Conduct: Supplier-retailer relationships and industry progress toward implementation of their voluntary Code
• Labour: Initiatives to deal with labour shortages
• Trade and market access issues: Coordination on market access issues (tariff and non-tariff barriers) and monitoring, maintaining and expanding into other markets.
• Other: Regulatory priorities (such as pilots to facilitate interprovincial trade and mitigating bee shortages); environmental priorities; Indigenous and underrepresented groups; pesticide management; science and technology opportunities

Next steps

Officials have established a broad forward path of meetings for FPT DMs and ADMs leading to the Ministers Annual Conference in July 2025.

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).
• Canada's largest beef-producing province, with the largest beef processing facilities. [REDACTED]
• [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.
• 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.
• Sector has faced extreme weather conditions in recent years (wildfires, drought).

[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]

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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]

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• Supports its sector through provincial livestock programming [REDACTED]

[REDACTED]

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 co-chair with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on the Grocery Code of Conduct file. AAFC and Quebec's department of agriculture, fisheries and food have actively bolstered industry efforts to develop and implement a voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct for Canada. Quebec [REDACTED] and will be the lead PT on the disbursement process for the Adjudication office, with support from AAFC.
• 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.

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Annex — PT landscape: Territories

• The 3 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.
• Regional flexibility is key in developing programming, in recognition of the unique climate of the North.
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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, collaborating with other organizations to advance interests and regularly engaging with governments on priorities.

Importance of engagement

Engagement with stakeholders 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 workforce issues).

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 (SETs) 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.

A Leadership Table provides oversight and coordination for these SETs. The Canadian Agricultural Youth Council and the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council also sit on the Leadership Table.

The SET model's membership strives to reflect the diversity of the agriculture sector. It includes the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council to provide a voice to Canada's youth in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

International trade

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.

Engagement with other government departments

Many other government departments are involved in files related to the agriculture and agri-food sector. These include, but are not limited to, Global Affairs Canada regarding international trade, Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding labour issues (for example, temporary foreign workers), and Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding climate change and the environment issues.

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

• Canadian Bison Association
• Canadian Cattle Association
• Canadian Pork Council
• Canada Mink Breeders Association
• Canadian Sheep Federation (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic)
• Livestock Markets Association of Canada
• National Cattle Feeders' Association
• National Sheep Network (Alberta, Ontario and Quebec)

Supply management groups

• Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
• Chicken Farmers of Canada
• Dairy Farmers of Canada
• Egg Farmers of Canada
• Turkey Farmers of Canada

Field crops

• Barley Council of Canada
• Canada Grains Council
• Canadian Canola Growers Association
• Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance
• Canadian Seed Growers' Association
• Canadian Sugar Beet Growers Association
• Canola Council of Canada
• Cereals Canada
• Grain Growers of Canada
• Prairie Oat Growers Association
• Pulse Canada
• Seeds Canada
• Soy Canada
• Western Grain Elevator Association

Horticulture

• Canadian Honey Council
• Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
• Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance
• Canadian Produce Marketing Association
• Flowers Canada Growers
• Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada
• Mushrooms Canada
• Spirits Canada
• Wine Growers of Canada

Fish, seafood, and aquaculture

• Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
• Canadian Organic Seafood Association
• Fisheries Council of Canada
• Lobster Council of Canada

Processing

• Baking Association of Canada
• Canadian Meat Council
• Canadian National Millers Association
• Canadian Oilseed Processors Association
• Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors
• Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition
• Dairy Processors Association of Canada
• Food and Beverage Canada
• Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada
• Food Processing Skills Canada
• Food Producers of Canada

Retail and food service

• Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
• Restaurants Canada
• Retail Council of Canada

Trade

• Canada Beef Inc
• Canada Pork International
• Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
• Canada Organic Trade Association
• Canadian Sugar Institute

Food security

• Breakfast Club of Canada
• Coalition for Healthy School Food
• Community Food Centres Canada
• Farm to Cafeteria Canada
• Food Banks Canada
• Food Communities Network
• Food Secure Canada
• Foodshare
• La Tablée des Chefs
• Second Harvest

Others

• Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
• Animal Health Canada
• BIOTECanada
• Bioindustrial Innovation Canada
• Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council
• Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
• Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
• Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
• Canadian Animal Health Institute
• Canadian Centre for Food Integrity
• Canadian Farmers with Disabilities Registry (CFWDR)
• Canadian Food Innovation Network
• CropLife Canada
• The Do More Agriculture Foundation
• Farm Management Canada
• Fertilizer Canada
• Protein Industries Canada
• Renewable Industries Canada

Youth

• 4-H Canada
• Young Agrarians
• Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers
• La Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec

Women

• Fédération des Agricultrices du Québec
• Manitoba Women in Agriculture and Food
• Saskatchewan Women in Ag

Indigenous rightsholders

• Assembly of First Nations
• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
• Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Métis National Council
• National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
• National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food
• Native Women's Association of Canada

At AAFC, 2 processes are used to make appointments: Governor in Council (GiC) and Ministerial.

Governor in Council appointments

GiC appointments are those made by the Governor General acting on the advice of Cabinet. An Order in Council is the legal instrument which, when signed by the Governor General, formalizes the appointment.

GiC appointees play an important role in Canada by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country. Within the Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio, there are a number of GiC appointees at each of the following organizations: Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC), Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC), and the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART).

Under the existing Privy Council Office (PCO) policy, formal selection processes are required for all leadership (heads of organizations) and supporting positions. These selection processes are jointly managed by PCO and the department and require Cabinet approval and sign-off by the Governor General. AAFC works with the Minister in order to develop recommendations for appointments.

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio currently has 32 GiC appointees. Decisions will be required to determine next steps for the following:

• Assistant Chief Commissioner, CGC: Vacant, term expired on February 14, 2025. PCO-led appointment process launched September 25, 2024.
• Director, FCC: As of February 26, 2025, 3 positions are set to expire by May 20, 2025, and 3 positions are vacant. Members continue to sit on the board until they resign, are replaced or are reappointed.
• Member, FPCC: 1 position set to expire on April 29, 2025.
• Member, CART: 2 positions set to expire on December 12, 2025, and December 13, 2025.
• Chairperson, CDC: Set to expire December 22, 2025.

Governor in Council appointments by organization

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

Canadian Dairy Commission

Canadian Grain Commission

Farm Credit Canada

Farm Products Council of Canada

FPCC agency auditors

The Farm Products Agencies Act accounts for the appointment of auditors by the GiC to annually audit the accounts and financial operations of each agency and submit a report to the agency, the FPCC and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Ministerial appointments

Ministerial appointments are made under the Minister's direct authority and do not require the approval of the Governor General. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for the appointment of board and committee members for 4 entities: Appeal Boards of Farm Debt Mediation Services (FDMS), the Eastern and Western Grain Standards Committees of the CGC, Inspectors for the 6 national agencies overseen by the FPCC, and the National Program Advisory Committee (NPAC), totalling just over 100 Ministerial appointments.

Ministerial appointments that will require action in the next 18 months include:

• Farm Debt Mediation Services Appeal Board
  • Five members are set to expire on August 12, 2025, 1 member is set to expire on August 31, 2025, and 3 members are set to expire on November 30, 2025.

Ministerial appointments by organization

Farm Debt Mediation Services Appeal Board

National Program Advisory Committee

Parliamentary committees

Parliamentary committees examine chosen subject matter in greater depth than possible in the House of Commons (HoC) or Senate. Meeting in committee provides an opportunity for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators to hear from academia, industry experts, stakeholders, and officials from all levels of government on topics of federal concern and to have these representations placed on public record. Committees may also explore the details of public policy and programs, legislation or issues related to its mandate. In most cases, following a committee's study, a report with a list of recommendations for the government is prepared and presented to Parliament.

Standing committees are permanent committees established by the Standing Orders of the House of Commons and comprised of MPs in proportional representation to party standings in the HoC. Membership changes occur as required.

Standing Senate committees are permanent committees established by the Rules of the Senate and comprised of Senators in proportional representation to party standings in the Senate. Membership changes occur as required.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food may be invited by a standing committee of the HoC or Senate to talk about the expenditures of the portfolio, government legislation or issues impacting the sector.

Once a standing committee has tabled a report, the government may be requested to prepare a formal response within 120 days, in the HoC, or 150 days, in the Senate, for tabling in Parliament. The Minister directs officials in the drafting of government responses to reports presented by standing committees. The Minister presents these proposals to Cabinet colleagues for approval and ratification before government responses are tabled in Parliament and made public.

Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI) examines issues related to Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry. AGRI has the power to review issues related to the mandate, management and operation of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio, legislation, expenditures and activities of portfolio organizations.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, when invited, appears before the Committee to support the work of AGRI. Typically the Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Minister and officials, will appear to support the Estimates process and government legislation, while portfolio and departmental officials are invited to appear to provide information to AGRI when it studies other topics.

AGRI will invite witnesses from across the sector representing a wide array of views so members can thoroughly examine each issue and make informed recommendations to the government. At the conclusion of a study, the Committee presents its report in the HoC and may request that the government respond to its recommendations. Government responses are due within 120 days of the presentation of the report to the HoC (pursuant to House of Commons Standing Order 109).

Studies undertaken during the 44th Parliament – 1st Session (November 22, 2021, to January 6, 2025)

• Railways: Issues and Opportunities for Canadian Agriculture: From November 7, 2024, to December 5, 2024, the Committee undertook a study on issues and opportunities related to railways and agriculture.
• Impact of Border Carbon Adjustments and Reciprocity of Standards on Canadian Agriculture: From October 1, 2024, to November 26, 2024, the Committee undertook a study on the impact of carbon border adjustments and the reciprocity of standards on Canadian agriculture.
• Fertilizer Tariffs: The Committee met with government officials and Sollio Cooperative Group on November 21, 2024.
• Intergenerational Transfer of Farms and New Entrants: On October 31, 2024, the Committee began its study. Two meetings were held on the topic.
• Priorities of the Agriculture Sector: On October 29, 2024, the Committee met with stakeholders.
• Issues Relating to the Horticultural Sector: From February 15, 2024, to June 11, 2024, the Committee undertook a study on issues relating to the horticultural sector. A report was presented to the HoC on June 19, 2024. A government response was tabled on October 10, 2024.
• Efforts to Stabilize Food Prices: From December 4, 2023, to April 30, 2024, the Committee undertook a study on efforts to stabilize food prices. A report was presented to the HoC on May 23, 2024. A government response was tabled on September 19, 2024.
• Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain: From February 13, 2024, to April 18, 2024, the Committee undertook a study on Bill C-355. The Bill is expected to be returned to the Senate for consideration.
• Electronic Logging Device Requirements and Animal Transport: From October 26, 2023, to December 4, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on electronic logging device requirements and animal transport. A report was presented to the HoC on December 11, 2023. A government response was tabled on April 8, 2024.
• Animal Biosecurity Preparedness: From May 3, 2023, to November 27, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on animal biosecurity preparedness. A report was presented to the HoC on December 11, 2023. A government response was tabled on April 9, 2024.
• Environmental Contribution of Agriculture: Resumed from the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session, the Committee undertook a study on the Environmental Contribution of Agriculture from March 28, 2022, to June 19, 2023. A report was presented to the HoC on November 6, 2023. A government response was tabled on February 29, 2024.
• Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms): From September 28, 2023, to October 16, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on Bill C-275. The Bill is expected to be returned to the Senate for consideration.
• Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (deemed trust — perishable fruits and vegetables): From June 12 to 21, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on Bill C-280. The Bill received Royal Assent on December 12, 2024.
• Food Price Inflation: From November 21, 2022, to June 5, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on food price inflation. A report was presented to the HoC on June 13, 2023. A government response was tabled on October 5, 2023.
• Closure of the Olymel Processing Plant in Vallée-Jonction: From May 8, 2023, to June 5, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on the closure of the Olymel processing plant in Vallée-Jonction, Quebec. On June 7, 2023, AGRI sent letters to the Ministers of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to present its findings.
• Global Food Insecurity: From June 6, 2022, to March 27, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on global food insecurity. A report was presented to the HoC on April 18, 2023. A government response was tabled on September 18, 2023.
• Ukraine Goods Remission Order: From November 28, 2022, to February 8, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on Ukraine goods remission order. On February 1, 2023, AGRI sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to present its findings.
• Bill S-227, An Act to establish Food Day in Canada: From November 23, 2022, to December 14, 2022, the Committee studied Bill S-227. The Bill received Royal Assent on May 11, 2023.
• Bill C-234, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act: From June 16, 2022, to November 14, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on Bill C-234. The Bill, as amended by the Senate is expected to be automatically reinstated at the same stage in the HoC when the new session begins.
• Micro-Cultivation of Cannabis and Cultivation of Hemp: On June 20, 2022, the Committee met with industry stakeholders. On July 26, 2022, AGRI sent 2 letters to the Minister of Health to present its findings.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Supply Chain: From February 10, 2022, to May 30, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on the agriculture and agri-food supply chain. A report was presented to the HoC on June 8, 2022. A government response was tabled on October 6, 2022.
• Illegal Blockades at Canada's Border Crossings: On February 14, 2022, the Committee adopted a motion to report to the HoC that AGRI was calling to end illegal blockages at Canada's border crossings.
• Processing Capacity: Continuing from the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session, on December 16, 2021, the Committee met to adopt its report. The report was presented to the HoC on February 2, 2022. A government response was tabled on June 2, 2022.
• Estimates: During the 44th Parliament, 1st session, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, accompanied by officials, appeared before AGRI for the following Estimates meetings:
  • Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25
  • 2024-25 Main Estimates
  • Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24
  • 2023-24 Main Estimates
  • Supplementary Estimates (B), 2022-23
  • 2022-23 Main Estimates
  • Supplementary Estimates (C), 2021-22

Previously planned studies

• Protection of Agricultural Lands in Canada: It is anticipated that the Committee will begin this study when Parliament resumes.

Other activities

• Briefing on the Current H5N1 Avian Flu Situation in the United States: On May 21, 2024, the Committee met with government officials to discuss the H5N1 avian flu situation in the United States.
• Briefing with the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel on the Study of Efforts to Stabilize Food Prices: On October 30, 2023, the Committee met in camera with the Interim Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel and Legal Counsel to the Study of Efforts to Stabilize Food Prices.
• Briefing on the Status of the British Columbia Flood Recovery Effort: On January 31, 2022, government officials briefed the Committee on the status of the recovery efforts.
• Briefing on the Interim Suspension of Certification of All Potatoes Originating from Prince Edward Island to the United States: On December 21, 2021, government officials briefed the Committee and responded to questions on the interim suspension.

Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AFGO) has the mandate to examine legislation and to study, on order of the Senate, matters relating to agriculture and forestry.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, when invited, is accompanied by the Deputy Minister and officials to appear before the Committee to support its work.

The Committee gathers the majority of the information for its reports through public meetings where it hears from witnesses. Once the Senate adopts a committee report, the Senate may ask the Government to respond to the Committee's recommendations within 150 days (pursuant to the Rules of the Senate, Rule 12-24).

Studies undertaken during the 44th Parliament — 1st Session (November 22, 2021 to January 6, 2025)

• Examine and report on the growing issue of wildfires in Canada and the consequential effects that wildfires have on forestry and agriculture industries, as well as rural and Indigenous communities, throughout the country: The committee began its study on October 1, 2024 and held 9 meetings.
• Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms): From May 30, 2024, to October 24, 2024, the committee undertook a study on Bill C-275. The Bill was reported back to the Senate on October 31, 2024. The bill is expected to be returned to the Senate for consideration.
• Examine and report on the status of soil health in Canada: The Committee began its study on the status of soil health in Canada on May 19, 2022, and ended its study on May 23, 2024. A report was presented to the Senate on June 6, 2024, and a government response was tabled on November 5, 2024.
• Bill C-234, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act: From September 21, 2023, to October 24, 2023, the committee undertook a study on Bill C-234. The Bill was passed with amendments in the Senate on December 12, 2023 and returned to the House of Commons for the consideration of Senate amendments.
• Bill C-235, An Act respecting the building of a green economy in the Prairies: From December 13 to 14, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on Bill C-235. The Bill received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022.
• The British Columbia Flood and Recovery Efforts: From April 28, 2022, to October 20, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on the British Columbia flood recovery efforts. A report was presented to the Senate on October 27, 2022, and a government response was tabled on April 21, 2023.
• Subject matter of those elements contained in Parts 4, 5 and 6 of Bill S-6, An Act respecting regulatory modernization: From May 5 to 19, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on elements of Bill S-6. The Committee reported back to the Senate on May 31, 2022.
• Bill S-236, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment Insurance Regulations (Prince Edward Island): From June 16, 2022, to May 9, 2023, the Committee undertook a study on Bill S-236. The Bill was reported back to the Senate on May 17, 2023.
• Bill S-227, An Act to establish Food Day in Canada: From March 31, 2022, to April 7, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on Bill S-227. The Bill was reported back to the Senate on April 7, 2022.
• Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood): From February 10, 2022, to March 24, 2022, the Committee undertook a study on Bill S-222. The Bill was reported back to the Senate on April 7, 2022.

Previously planned studies

• Examine and report on the role of the agriculture and agri-food sector in food security in Canada. It is anticipated that the Committee will begin this study when Parliament resumes.

Other committees of interest

There are over 20 parliamentary committees in each house of Parliament. Below are examples of committees of particular interest for the department:

• The Standing Committee on International Trade studies and reports on matters such as international trade policy and the global trade and investment environment.
• The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development studies legislation, departmental activities, spending, and reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and other matters related to the general subject matter of the environment and sustainable development.
• The Standing Committee on Finance studies and reports on all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of selected federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency and conducts pre-budget consultations.
• The Standing Committee on Industry and Technology studies and reports on legislation and the activities and spending of the members of the Innovation and Economic Development portfolio, and other issues related to: innovation, industry and technology capability; telecommunications and digital policy; intellectual property; investment, competition, trade, small business and tourism; and rules and services that support the effective operation of the marketplace.
• The Standing Committee on Public Accounts has the mandate to review and report on the public accounts of Canada and all reports of the Auditor General of Canada.
• The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities studies the legislation, policies and programs and other issues of national importance related to transportation, infrastructure and Canadian cities and communities as well as the operations of Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada.
• The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade examines legislation and matters relating to foreign and Commonwealth relations, including treaties and international agreements, external trade, foreign aid and territorial and offshore matters.
• The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce examines legislation and issues related to banking, insurance, trust and loan companies, credit societies, caisses populaires and small loan companies. It is also responsible for considering customs and excise issues, taxation legislation, patents, royalties, corporate affairs and bankruptcy-related issues.
• The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance examines matters relating to federal Estimates, including the public accounts and reports of the Auditor General, as well as government finance. In addition, the Committee has investigated other topics of interest and importance to the country.
• The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the mandate to examine legislation and to study issues related to cultural affairs and the arts, social and labour matters, health and welfare, and pensions and housing. It is also responsible for considering fitness and amateur sport, employment and immigration, and consumer and youth affairs.
• The Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations has members from both the Senate and the HoC. The Committee reviews and scrutinizes government regulations and other statutory instruments to ensure government bodies remain accountable to Parliament. It deals with matters of legality and the procedural aspects of regulations, as opposed to the merits of particular regulations or the policy they reflect. The Committee has the power to recommend disallowance of a regulation or part of a regulation.

Overview of Memorandum to Cabinet and Cabinet business, funding decisions, Treasury Board submissions and Estimates process

The Prime Minister is responsible for structuring Cabinet and determining the mandates and membership of Cabinet committees. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is a member of Cabinet, which sets strategic direction, approves appointments and ratifies decisions of the Cabinet committees. Cabinet committees normally include separate committees for economic, social and international issues, and always include the Treasury Board Committee.

The Department supports the Minister as a member of Cabinet and other Cabinet committees by preparing: briefing material for Cabinet committee meetings; and Memoranda to Cabinet (MCs) and related briefing material. An MC is the mechanism through which ministers bring forward policy proposals for the consideration and approval of their Cabinet colleagues. An MC is the first requirement in implementing a new initiative. A funding decision may be required and would be obtained through a separate decision made jointly by the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister, either through the annual budget cycle or off-cycle funding requests, if there are more urgent pressures that cannot be managed within a department's existing funding levels. Program approval is obtained through a Treasury Board (TB) submission. Finally, funds can be authorized for departments through the approval of appropriation bills in Parliament; this is known as the Estimates process (includes the Main and Supplementary Estimates and Departmental Plan).

Memoranda to Cabinet and related briefing material

Ministers seek Cabinet committee approval of policy proposals through MCs to:

• Advance a new policy or initiative;
• Implement priorities that were announced in the Speech from the Throne or Budget or that were requested by the Prime Minister;
• Propose a substantive change to an existing program or policy;
• Advance a proposal that involves other ministers' responsibilities or other jurisdictions, or that may be controversial; or
• Submit legislative proposals to Parliament or respond to a parliamentary committee or to Private Members' Bills or Motions.

The Department supports the Minister by preparing the MC (and any supplementary material) and provides a briefing binder (for example, briefing note, talking points, questions and answers, and any relevant background material) for the Minister's use at the Cabinet committee meeting. The Department acts as the liaison and intermediary with central agencies (Privy Council Office, Department of Finance Canada, and the Treasury Board Secretariat), the portfolio and other government departments for all Cabinet-related business.

The Minister (or a group of ministers) will present the MC to a Cabinet committee for focused discussion, recommending a course of action. Once the Cabinet committee has concluded its deliberations, it will issue a Committee Recommendation (CR). The MC and CR are then submitted to full Cabinet for further consideration and ratification. A Record of Decision is then issued that endorses the CR or amends it or, in some cases, makes Cabinet approval contingent upon other approvals being received (for example, ad referendum on funding or machinery-of-government changes).

If a policy proposal is horizontal in nature and involves mandate responsibilities of 2 or more ministers, a single MC is prepared, and the ministers involved co-sign it. For instance, Global Affairs Canada leads MCs for international trade negotiation mandates with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food co-signing given the importance of agriculture in trade agreements.

The department typically leads MCs for Government responses to reports from the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with other departments involved. It also provides input into Government responses led by other federal departments, should the recommendations touch on its policies or programs.

Budget cycle

While an MC can propose a policy direction that has funding implications, ratification of an MC by Cabinet does not constitute approval of a source of funds for the initiative(s). Funding decisions are made separately and jointly by the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister, preferably in the context of the annual federal budget process.

The annual budget cycle typically involves several steps: 1) the Minister of Finance sends a letter to ministers requesting proposals to be considered for inclusion in the Budget; 2) ministers respond by submitting various proposals for consideration; 3) the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister decide which proposals will be included in the Budget; 4) the Budget is tabled in Parliament and voted upon; 5) funding proposals outlined in the Budget are incorporated in departmental reference levels through the Estimates process; and 6) the Budget Implementation Act is introduced to implement certain legislative provisions of the Budget.

Off-cycle funding requests

To respond to unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances that cannot be managed within a department's existing financial authorities or wait until the next annual budget cycle, funding proposals can be submitted to the Minister of Finance outside of the annual budget process as off-cycle funding requests.

In these special circumstances, the Minister sends a letter to the Minister of Finance requesting incremental funding for a specific policy proposal. The Department of Finance reviews the proposal, completes a brief and makes recommendations. The Privy Council Office also provides its advice. The Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister then make a decision.

A department may also be invited by the Department of Finance to submit a proposal on a particular topic/issue to be announced in the Fall Economic Statement or the Budget.

Treasury Board submissions

TB submissions are documents submitted by a minister to the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). The purpose of a TB submission is to seek approval of the specific elements of a program's design, delivery or implementation, and/or to seek authorities related to an organization's mandate, including financial authorities. The TB submission generally includes details of an initiative's design and delivery, how much it will cost each fiscal year and its expected outcomes.

The most common authorities departments seek through TB submissions include:

• Access to previously approved funding;
• Authority to enter into a contract or undertake a project that exceeds the department's authority;
• Approval of an investment plan;
• Authority to implement new TB policies, revise existing policies or delegate related authorities;
• Authority to name members to departmental audit committees; and
• Authority to sign collective agreements.

In preparing a TB submission for the Minister's signature, the department will:

• Ensure financial/resource needs and costing are challenged and rigorously review assumptions associated with financial and authority requirements;
• Review the entire TB submission for risk and policy implications; and
• Liaise with officials from TBS.

Working documents for MCs and TB submissions are considered Cabinet confidences and, as such, are protected under section 39 of the Canada Evidence Act. Related documents can be shared only with those having the required security clearance and must be managed using proper information-management and security practices.

Estimates process

Following TB approval, the funding and authority to spend are obtained from Parliament through the Estimates process (Main and Supplementary Estimates approved through an appropriation act). The Main Estimates provide a listing of the resources required by the department for the upcoming fiscal year in order to deliver the programs for which it is responsible. The Main Estimates are to be tabled by March 1, before the beginning of the fiscal year (April 1), and address the department's initial budget for the year. Supplementary Estimates, usually presented in May, November and February, are adjustments throughout the year to incorporate new programs that have been approved subsequent to the Main Estimates. It is common practice that the Minister appear before a parliamentary committee to present the department's Main and Supplementary Estimates and address any questions from the parliamentary committee.