An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy
During question period on Oct. 20, a Conservative MP from Ontario wanted the government to share how it is supporting an ag business.
Jamie Schmale, the MP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, told the House that Mariposa Dairy in Linsday, Ont. is “being hit with a $4.5-million bill every month” because of U.S. tariffs, and asked how the government is protecting the business before it’s too late.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly told the House she and the minister for FedDev Ontario are up to speed on the issue, that the government has provided support and will be there to provide more if necessary.
In August 2026, for example, FedDev Ontario provided Mariposa Dairy with a $6.5 million loan towards an expansion project.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May asked about revisions to pest control law.
Proposed changes in Bills C-30 and C-31 with respect to the Pest Control Products Act reduce protections for human health and the environment. She asked why these changes are coming from the department of finance and not from the health minister.
Some proposed amendments would allow Cabinet to reinstate some pesticide use on the basis of national food security.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel replied.
She told the House the government can balance the safety of Canadians while supporting farmers and cutting red rape to ensure a stable and safe food supply.
On Oct. 23, Conservative Ag Critic John Barlow told the House the beef herd at the Nappan research farm in Nova Scotia was heading to auction.
He said the Liberals are “sacrificing 140 years of irreplaceable research” and that cuts at AAFC are shuttering additional research facilities.
“Will the minister pick up the phone and save this beef herd now before it is too late, or will he continue to cripple food research in Canada?” Barlow asked.
Yasir Naqvi, the parliamentary secretary to the trade minister, provided the government’s response.
He told MPs the government is consolidating its infrastructure to reduce overhead costs, but with 17 research centres across the country, every province will have at least one research farm.