Response to parliamentary committees
As described below, five reports requesting Government Responses from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, were tabled in Parliament during the 2023–24 fiscal year.
The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
On April 18, 2023, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented its eighth report, Feeding the World: Strengthening Canada's Capacity to Respond to Global Food Insecurity. The report focused on reiterating the need to support Ukraine, such as by monitoring supply chains to detect grain stolen from Ukrainian farmers in Russian-occupied territories. It focused on the evidence heard between September 28 and November 16, 2022, which was aimed at identifying ways to unlock Canada's potential to meet global food demand. The report identified barriers that compromised Canada's ability to further meet global demand. The Committee requested a Government Response to the 22 recommendations. A Government Response to the Eighth Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was presented to the House of Commons on September 18, 2023.
On June 13, 2023, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented its tenth report, Grocery Affordability: Examining Rising Food Costs in Canada. The report focused on addressing the impact that inflationary pressures are having across the supply chain, notably on producers, consumers, and communities. It also focused on ways to reduce rising costs. The Committee requested a Government Response to the 13 recommendations. A Government Response to the Tenth Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was presented to the House of Commons on October 5, 2023.
On November 6, 2023, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented it's thirteenth report, Stewards of the Land: Examining Canadian Agriculture's Environmental Contribution. The report focused on the relationship between farmers and their environment as they are on the front line of environmental change. The report also focused on how agricultural activities can ensure a stable food supply while also contributing to preserving the environment through the application of good management practices that minimize agriculture's impact on the soil, water, and air. The Committee requested a Government Response to the 14 recommendations. A Government Response to the Thirteenth Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was presented to the House of Commons on February 29, 2024.
On December 11, 2023, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented it's fifteenth report, Protecting Against Animal Biosecurity Risks: The State of Canada's Preparedness. The report focused on Canada's capacity to prevent, detect and respond to animal biosecurity challenges. The Committee requested a Government Response to the seven recommendations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency was the lead on the response and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada responded to part of recommendation 1. A Government Response to the Fifteenth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was presented to the House of Commons on April 9, 2024.
On December 11, 2023, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented it's sixteenth report, Striking A Balance: Electronic Logging Device Requirements Impacting Animal Transportation. The report focused on the impacts to animal health and safety during transportation caused by the enforcement of the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations (HOS Regulations), which came in to effect on June 12, 2021. The Committee requested a Government Response to the five recommendations. Transport Canada was the lead on the response and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada responded to recommendation 4. A Government Response to the Sixteenth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was presented to the House of Commons on April 8, 2024.
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
There were no parliamentary committee reports in 2023–24 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
Report 6 - Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) already threatens the lives and health of people in Canada and around the world. Not only does antimicrobial resistance make existing antimicrobials less effective, but it also forces the health care system to rely on more expensive drugs of last resort, which can also become less effective over time. Beyond the human and health care costs, AMR also carries high costs to the economy and Canadians' livelihoods. Reducing antimicrobial resistance in Canada requires a coordinated national response with clear accountabilities, concrete deliverables, specific timelines, and measurable outcomes. Without these components, coordinated efforts may be delayed and infections may become harder to treat, thereby increasing risks to Canadians. AMR is a global phenomenon, and Canadian efforts contribute to the effectiveness of international efforts.
The full list of recommendations and responses are included in the report. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) was named in two of the eight recommendations. Recommendations include engagement with federal, provincial, and territorial partners and stakeholders to complete, execute, and monitor the Pan-Canadian Action Plan (PCAP) on AMR as well as collaborating with partners and stakeholders on the use of antimicrobial sales data alongside other AMR and use data, to establish appropriate baselines for use and measurable goals for reducing antimicrobial use.
AAFC has agreed with the recommendations from the audit and has initiated several corrective actions to address them.
AAFC entered into a contract with Animal Health Canada to work with stakeholders and provinces/territories on identifying animal health AMR governance and the implementation of the PCAP. Additionally, AAFC is participating in various committees/working groups including the AMR Leadership Action Group and the Interdepartmental Director General AMR Working Group to provide guidance on the implementation of the PCAP, as well as the International AMR Working group and the AMR Targets Working Group to help in the development of Canada's International Strategy.
Further, AAFC, in collaboration with Public Health Agency Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, engaged with provincial/territorial governments and industry partners on international AMR and antimicrobial use activities and trends. A United Nations General Assembly High level meeting on AMR is scheduled for September 2024 where global use reduction targets are expected to be negotiated.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2023–24 requiring a response by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.