Senate Committee engages Ontario stakeholders to advance national study on food access, resilience, and sustainable agri‑food systems.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will be in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario later this week as part of its ongoing study on the role of Canada’s agriculture and agri‑food sector in strengthening national food security.
The fact‑finding mission is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Toronto and Friday, March 6, 2026, across Southwestern Ontario.
Launched in the fall of 2025, the committee’s study aims to examine the current state of food security across Canada, identify barriers to food access in diverse communities, and evaluate how federal programs and policies can better support a secure, resilient and sustainable food system.
During the two‑day visit, senators will meet with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across the food supply chain. This includes frontline food access organizations, agri‑food researchers, innovators, and leaders from across the processing, distribution and agricultural production sectors.
Through roundtable discussions, community dialogues and on‑site facility tours, the committee will gather first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Canada’s food landscape. The Committee is chaired by Mary Robinson.
Topics expected to be at the forefront of discussions include evolving supply chain pressures, innovations in sustainable agriculture, strategies to improve affordability and access to nutritious food, and the role of federal supports in strengthening resilience from farm to table.
The committee’s findings from this visit will contribute to its final report, which aims to support policymakers in building a stronger, more secure agri‑food system for Canadians in all regions.
- Visit Dates: Thursday, March 5, 2026 — Toronto, Ontario
- Friday, March 6, 2026 — Southwestern Ontario (various locations)
For more information, visit the Senate Committee's webpages.