African swine fever, labor and trade top of mind for Canadian pork industry

The plan for African swine fever, improved trade access and ongoing access to labor and immigration programs for the pork industry were the key points the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Meat Council representatives raised with Parliamentarians, government officials and partners during the industry’s fall meetings in Ottawa.

The CPC and the CMC highlighted the need for an ASF trade recovery program to ensure Canada’s pork producers can swiftly regain market access and stabilize the industry in the event of an outbreak. Both councils stressed the importance of a reliable agricultural workforce, urging the government to prioritize solutions that support the sector’s year-round labor needs, which are essential to maintaining production and meeting the demands of the domestic and international markets.

“This were important days for our industry,” said René Roy, chair of the CPC. “By joining forces with the Canadian Meat Council, we presented a united front to advocate for the priorities of the Canadian pork sector. Our conversations emphasized the urgent need to address challenges like ASF, expand trade opportunities, and agriculture’s unique labor needs, priorities which are crucial for sustaining and growing our industry. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance these priorities.”

This year’s joint effort underscored the CPC’s and the CMC’s commitment to building strong relationships with policymakers and amplifying the voice of Canada’s pork industry.

“Our joint lobby day showcased the power of collaboration,” said Chris White, president and CEO, CMC, Canada Pork. Together, we were able to effectively spotlight issues affecting both producers and processors in a way that demonstrates our industry’s cohesive vision for the future. We are grateful to all the parliamentarians and officials who joined us and look forward to building on these discussions.”

The event culminated in the annual PorkFest reception, where members of the CPC and the CMC were joined by government officials and industry representatives to celebrate the dedication of Canadian pork producers.

The Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, attended the reception and spoke to the audience about his support for the Canadian pork sector. The event also hosted John Barlow, the Shadow Minister for the Official Opposition, and many other Parliamentarians and industry friends.