Several farmers are among members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, named on Monday.

New house agriculture committee includes four farmers

Black tables soil health protection bill in Senate
Legislation would recognize soil as a strategic national asset
Senator Rob Black sponsored Bill S-230, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy for Soil Health Protection, Conservation and Enhancement. If passed, it would mandate the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and other relevant ministers, to develop a national soil health strategy.

Politicians should view decisions with a ‘food lens’ amid trade tensions say experts
Agriculture, particularly in the West, struggles to get adequate representation in government
Politicians should apply a “food lens” to decision-making to protect Canada’s agriculture sector amid trade tensions, some experts say.

Carney’s new green agenda
Experts suspect the new PM’s approach to the environment will be informed by his corporate roots
While some say Justin Trudeau’s government had a much more hands-on approach to environmental issues, appearing to favour deterrents over incentives, the Carney government’s strategy may be more restrained and integrated with its economic agenda.

OPINION: Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council a collaborative approach to strengthening food systems
The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council was initially described as a promising example of government engagement. But both it and the Food Policy for Canada have yet to reach their full potential.

OPINION: ‘Cows and plows’ settlement over a broken Indigenous treaty shows the urgent need for more transparent governance
Members of the Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve (TTR) in Manitoba recently voted to ratify the Treaty 4 Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement. This cows-and-plows settlement is a step toward rectifying historical wrongs. The process has also highlighted several ongoing governing challenges. This includes exposing a flawed Crown/Indigenous consultation process as well as the need for trust-building with Indigenous leadership.

Throne speech promises removal of economic barriers, protection of supply management, cuts to TFWs
Government will remove all federal barriers to internal trade by Canada Day, King says
Key points for Canadian agriculture from King Charles' throne speech include promises to remove internal trade barriers, cuts to the allowed number of temporary foreign workers, and plans to protect more land and water.

Carney’s mandate letter makes no mention of agriculture or food
Some industry members see opportunity in a drive for economic growth; others wish the government would make specific commitments
Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent mandate letter made no mention of agriculture or food, instead focusing on economic issues and Canadian sovereignty. Some in the Canadian agriculture industry see potential for action while others wish for explicit commitments.

Barlow to return as shadow agriculture minister
Jacques Gourde to replace Steinley as associate minister
Foothills MP John Barlow will return to the role of shadow minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food. Lévis—Lotbinière MP Jacques Gourde will take over as associate shadow minister.

Industry welcomes Heath MacDonald as new agriculture minister
Agriculture groups across Canada are congratulating Heath MacDonald on his new role as federal agriculture minister.