Positive discussions, constructive debate and a continued commitment to Canada’s agriculture sector were highlights of the 2015 FPT Ministers of Agriculture meeting, says 2015 co-chair and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Alan McIsaac.
“The agriculture and agri-food sectors are major drivers of our Canadian economy,” said Minister McIsaac. “While each jurisdiction has its own set of opportunities and challenges, we can learn from one another to help create a strong agriculture sector. Working together we will continue to provide effective support to our Canadian agriculture industry so that it continues to innovate and thrive.”
Ministers reaffirmed their support for initiatives that help boost the sector through innovation, improved competitiveness and market development and agreed to further consider how these areas could be applied to a broader range of food products. Ministers also agreed on the importance of developing new markets around the world for Canadian products and continuing to work together with the sector on maintaining trust in Canada’s food system.
Ministers discussed their growing concern about recent challenges with food and farm tampering. Provisions under the Safe Food for Canadians Act provide the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with explicit authority to take enforcement actions against persons who tamper with or threaten to tamper with food commodities. Ministers will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders on strategies and initiatives to maintain the confidence of consumers, processors, retailers and food service buyers.
Provincial and territorial ministers restated the vital importance of temporary foreign workers to the agri-food and seafood industries, and discussed the negative implications of the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Provincial and Territorial ministers encouraged the federal government to enter into discussions to re-evaluate the program changes in order to meet labour requirements.
Minister McIsaac emphasized the importance of the agriculture and agri-food sector to the economy of PEI. “Agriculture is the largest industry in Prince Edward Island, generating a half a billion dollars in cash receipts and employing approximately 3,500 people. Ensuring that our industry remains competitive is critical.”
Minister McIsaac also passed on the duties of co-chair to Alberta. Next year’s meeting will take place in Calgary July 20-22. “It was a pleasure to host my colleagues here in Charlottetown and I look forward to our continued partnership to effectively support our Canadian agriculture industry innovate and thrive.”