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.
Friday, 19 June 2026
Government Announcements
June 11 – Prime Minister Carney launches National Food Security Strategy to build a more affordable and resilient food system in Canada. The Prime Minister launched Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy. Backed by more than $3 billion in investments over ten years, this strategy will break open the market for independent retailers, boost domestic food production, and build a stronger, more independent, and more affordable food system for all Canadians. For more information, click here.
June 12 – Canada and Ontario investing $12 million to protect farmers and strengthen the agri-food sector. The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $12 million through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative to help farmers adopt practical improvements that increase efficiency, reduce costs and build long-term resilience. This initiative delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s farmers and agri-food sector by making strategic investments in cutting-edge solutions needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, click here.
June 16 – Canada advances African swine fever preparedness with new zoning arrangement with Japan. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is pleased to announce the Government of Canada has successfully established an African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement with Japan. This agreement is a significant step in Canada’s ongoing preparedness efforts, helping maintain access to this important market while supporting measures to contain and limit the spread of disease and protect animal health. For more information, click here.
June 18 – AgriRecovery Initiative to support farms affected by drought. The federal and provincial governments are together committing up to $25 million to help Nova Scotia livestock and wild blueberry producers recover from the impacts of the severe drought last year. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will contribute 60% of eligible program costs, up to $15 million, with the province contributing 40%, up to $10 million. For more information, click here.
House of Commons and Senate Proceedings
Hon. Pamela Wallin congratulates The Honourable Robert Black on his induction into Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Last Week’s Top Stories
Government Announcements
June 2026 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency implements disease control measures to prevent spread of New World screwworm. Following a confirmed finding of New World screwworm in a calf in Texas, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it will implement temporary import restrictions on livestock, including horses, from entering Canada from affected areas. Animals that originate from or were present in the State of Texas within 21 days prior to border crossing will not be accepted into Canada. For more information, click here.
June 5 – Importance of women in agriculture. The Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation issued a statement about the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Click here to read the statement.
June 5 – Message from the Minister of Health on World Food Safety Day 2026. Click here to read.
June 8 – Minister MacDonald concludes G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting. Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food concluded a productive meeting with his Group of Seven (G7) counterparts today, where he promoted Canada, its agriculture and agri-food sector, the efficient use of fertilizer, open agri-food trade, and Canada’s interests abroad, while underscoring ongoing efforts to actively monitor emerging risks. For more information, click here.
House of Commons and Senate Proceedings
Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu’Appelle, CPC) tabled a petition from residents in and around the Indian Head area in southern Saskatchewan who are urging the government to reverse its decision to shut down the Indian Head agricultural research farm.
Dave Epp (Chatham-Kent—Leamington, CPC) discusses food security.