AIC’s Parliamentary Updates brings you weekly summaries and analysis of what’s happening on Parliament Hill that is relevant to the agriculture and agricultural research community.
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Government Announcements
February 2026 – Canada secures expanded market access for Canadian meat products following Ministerial Mission to Indonesia. The Government of Canada announced a major expansion of market access for Canadian beef and pork products in Indonesia. Canadian exporters are now able to ship over-thirty-month (OTM) bone-in beef, and for the first time, pork and pork products. In addition, Indonesia has approved more Canadian facilities, further strengthening Canada’s export capacity to this dynamic market. For more information, click here.
February 20 – Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announce continued support through the 2026 Crop Insurance Program. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister announced continued funding for the 2026 Crop Insurance Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). For more information, click here.
February 24 – Supporting B.C. farmers, competitiveness with tech. B.C. farmers are getting support to enhance their businesses and boost local food security with new technology, which will help increase production, efficiency and competitiveness. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program funds projects that address labour shortages and improves processes for labour-intensive tasks to help farming operations grow, raise, harvest, pack or store food more effectively. For more information, click here.
February 25 – The Government of Canada announces expansion to AgriStability support to include pasture-related feed costs. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced that the AgriStability guidelines have been amended to add pasture-related feed costs as an allowable expense under the program, beginning with the 2026 program year. By including pasture-related feed costs, AgriStability will provide more equitable support for producers whose animals graze on land they do not own, particularly cow-calf, sheep, and goat farmers, who rely heavily on rented pastureland. For more information, click here.
February 25 – Ontario Protecting Northern and Rural Livestock Producers. The Ontario government is modernizing the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP) by expanding eligibility and streamlining the application process to ensure livestock producers in Northern and rural Ontario have reliable access to veterinary care. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these changes will help strengthen the province’s agri-food sector and support the vital work of veterinarians to safeguard livestock health. For more information, click here.
House of Commons and Senate Proceedings
Jacques Gourde (Lévis—Lotbinière, CPC) discusses the closing of the Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures experimental farm and the Laval University research centre and the fact that this decision will have long-term consequences for our food sovereignty and our Canadian expertise.
John Barlow (Foothills, CPC), Hon. Heath MacDonald (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.) and others discuss the red tape and regulations which have led to increased Canadian food inflation and the increased cost of food production.
Last Week’s Top Stories
Government Announcements
February 12 – Governments of Canada and Manitoba launch satellite-based forage insurance pilot for 2026 crop year. The governments of Canada and Manitoba are launching a new pilot project to use satellite-based technology in the Forage Insurance program. The initiative aims to reduce reporting requirements and improve production estimates for Manitoba’s forage producers while maintaining program accuracy and integrity. For more information, click here.
February 13 – Government of Canada invests over $75,000 to support global maple syrup conference in Northern Ontario. The Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma announced a FedNor investment of $75,023 to support the 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council conference, which will be hosted in Sault Ste. Marie from October 20-24. The Conference will bring together maple syrup producers, processors, researchers, and industry partners from around the world, including many from Northern Ontario. For more information, click here.
February 17 – Making trade easier: Export opportunities for Canadian apples to Mexico. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that following engagement with CFIA officials, Mexico has updated its import requirements for eligible apples from Eastern Canadian provinces. The change allows the CFIA to inspect and register cold treatment facilities, eliminating the need for in-person inspections by Mexican officials and reducing costs for Canadian exporters. For more information, click here.
February 17 – Government of Canada helping to strengthen industries and businesses in southern Alberta. The Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a federal investment of more than $5.8M through the RTRI for five projects in southern Alberta. The aim is more resilient businesses that are better equipped to compete and overcome global trade pressures. For more information, click here.