Agriculture groups call for action from new federal cabinet for sector support

With the appointment of a new federal cabinet for Canada, including Heath MacDonald as the new minister of agriculture and agri-food, various agriculture groups have welcomed the new body along with their heed for protection of the agriculture sector.

Grain Growers of Canada issued a press release that urges for immediate action to support grain farmers and protect the resiliency of Canadian agriculture. This includes taking the necessary measures to improve trade relationships, remove the carbon tax from on-farm activities and reverse the capital gains tax increase to mitigate further strain on farmers and the economy.

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) released a statement about looking forward to the opportunity to work with Minister MacDonald, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc to improve market access and international partnerships for Canada’s agri-food sector.

“Ministers Sidhu, MacDonald and LeBlanc have key roles to play in maintaining and deepening relationships with Canada’s agri-food trade partners, upholding a stable, rules-based international trade environment, and expanding access through diversified trade opportunities,” said Greg Northey, president of CAFTA.