This year’s conference was co-chaired by Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Oneil Carlier, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. FPT Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector — an industry that generates over $108 billion for the Canadian economy and employs one in eight Canadians.
Minister MacAulay said, “The Calgary Statement sets the direction for future agricultural programs and services that will help the sector continue to innovate, grow the economy, create jobs and help grow the middle class. Along with the provinces and territories, I will continue to work with stakeholders and interested Canadians to chart the way forward for Canadian agriculture.”
FPT Ministers discussed increasing market access and development, advancing investments in science, innovation and research, the need for a strong science-based regulatory framework, enhancing public trust, the continued importance of Business Risk Management programs and systems such as supply management, and renewed emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate change. Ministers committed to preserve the integrity of the supply management system.
“Agriculture is an enormous contributor to a strong and diversified Canadian economy” stated Minister Carlier. “As we move forward, we will continue to work closely with industry and my colleagues from across the country, to implement programs that help ensure the agriculture sector is well-positioned for sustainable growth and continues to be a leader in the global marketplace.”
The Calgary Statement was developed by FPT governments based on ongoing discussions with stakeholders and will guide the development of the next agricultural framework. The second phase of federal online consultation was also launched to seek comments on the Calgary Statement and help inform the development of future FPT agricultural programs and services.
Ministers discussed the importance of efficient transportation systems in order for Canada to be a reliable supplier of agriculture and agri-food products to customers around the world, and the importance of access to labour, and finding short- and long-term solutions to labour needs. Ministers also stressed the importance of the quality of Canadian and imported products (reciprocity of standards) and the strict controls to which all foods are subject.
Source: Meatbusiness