KAP Outlines Federal Election Priorities

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) President Bill Campbell says the next federal government needs to focus on restoring trade for products grown and produced in Canada.

 

“The next federal government needs to focus on the importance of the agriculture industry and stand up for the millions of Canadians that are employed in our sector, including farmers like me,” Campbell said. “Trade for Canadian agricultural products is expected to grow by 50% by the year 2050, and politicians of all stripes need to work with partners around the world to ensure our products continue to find open markets.”

 

KAP is calling on the federal parties to focus on three areas: stronger Business Risk Management (BRM) programming, a plan to address labour shortages, and effective climate change investments that recognize the stewardship of Canadian farmers.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.