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, 04 June 2026

Government Announcements

May 26 – Province Investing $7 Million to Protect Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector. The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to support 34 made-in-Ontario research projects that turn innovative research into market-ready solutions for farmers and food processors. This initiative supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s agri-food workers and businesses by investing in innovative solutions that give farmers access to the tools and technologies needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, click here.

June 1 – Minister MacDonald announces the reappointment of Benoit Basillais as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced the reappointment of Benoit Basillais, as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission, for an additional three-year term, effective July 4, 2026. Benoit Basillais brings over two decades of experience with the Canadian Dairy Commission, having begun his career with the organization as an economist in 2003. For more information, click here.

June 2 – Competitive markets are essential in supporting food security and affordability. Read the remarks by Jeanne Pratt, Interim Commissioner of the Competition Bureau, which was the opening statement to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Click here to read.

June 2026 – Update from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on a revised regulatory approach to the Livestock Traceability Regulations. The CFIA is planning to move ahead with updated traceability requirements for goats, sheep, and cervids to bring them in line with requirements similar to cattle and bison. The CFIA will also move forward with updated pig traceability requirements supported by the industry. New movement reporting requirements for cattle and bison will not move forward at this time. The CFIA will continue to work closely with the cattle sector and other livestock industries through ongoing industry-led forums and discussions. These will inform future plans related to strengthening Canada’s livestock traceability program to protect the health of animals and the long-term viability of our livestock sector. For more information, click here.

House of Commons and Senate Proceedings

Dane Lloyd (Parkland, CPC) celebrates the Stony Plain Farmers’ Days Rodeo and Exhibition, which showcases the agricultural heritage, community spirit and volunteerism in the region.

Marie-Gabrielle Ménard (Hochelaga—Rosemont-Est, Lib.) celebrates the anniversary of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve community kitchen, or CCHM, which works to promote food security. They bring together urban agriculture, seedling greenhouses and a professional kitchen for food processing.

Terry Dowdall (Simcoe—Grey, CPC) presents a petition to stop the building of the over-the-horizon radar site on the already purchased property in Clearview Township, prevent future acquisition of prime farmland in building an over-the-horizon site, and register the previously purchased property with the Ontario Farmland Trust to preserve its agricultural status.

Warren Steinley (Regina—Lewvan, CPC) discusses the closure of two research farms in the agriculture industry and the radar research cut at Environment Canada.

Sébastien Lemire (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ) celebrates World Milk Day.

Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP) tables a petition that calls on the Government of Canada to develop and fund a national regenerative agriculture strategy that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, water protection and climate resilience; that provides long-term funding, incentives and technical assistance to support farmers transitioning to regenerative and agro-ecological practices; that integrates soil health, water protection and biodiversity outcomes into federal agricultural programs and climate policy; that expands farmer-led research, extension services and knowledge sharing on the regenerative practices suited to diverse regions of Canada; that strengthens policies to reduce soil erosion, pesticide use, agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution and plastic waste affecting freshwater and marine ecosystems; and that supports resilient and democratic local and regional food systems that improve food security, rural economies and community well-being.

Last Week’s Top Stories

Government Announcements

Government Announcements

May 19 – Government of Canada announces support for artificial intelligence innovation and commercialization in Alberta. The Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced $6.8 million in federal funding through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), for five projects in Alberta. These investments will help businesses and organizations bring technology to new markets, improve productivity and competitiveness, and offer research and testing opportunities to support growth and innovation. For more information, click here.

May 20 – Minister MacDonald to travel to British Columbia. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food will travel to British Columbia, where he will meet and consult with key stakeholders from the agriculture and agri-food industry:

• Minister will host a roundtable consultation where he will hear from the province’s primary agriculture and agri-food producers as well as food processors.
• He will also tour a food processing facility, a food bank and get a first-hand look at port operations at Canada’s largest port.

For more information, click here.