Members of the Canadian ag industry released election priorities well in advance
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election this weekend.
The prime minister is preparing to ask Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament on Sunday. And Canadians will vote on Monday, April 28, reporting from the Globe and Mail and CTV News says.
Canadians were always heading to the polls in 2025 with the election originally planned for October.
But former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January, followed by the Liberal leadership race, and the fact Carney isn’t a sitting MP, likely pushed the date up.
Understanding that a federal election was already coming, members of Canada’s ag industry have either put out election priorities or made commitments to lobby the next federal government for certain outcomes.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, for example, outlined its requests during its national lobby day in November 2024.
The ag industry’s priorities for the next government include:
- Efficient and reliable rail transportation
- Solutions to the ag labour workforce shortage
- Investments to help farmers address environmental challenges
- Continuing to provide rural communities with reliable broadband connectivity
CFA election letter.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has also published its election focus.
The organization is asking party platforms to include five priority areas:
- Advancing Canadian interests in international trade
- Increasing produce consumption for healthier communities
- Fueling a competitive and resilient produce supply chain
- Building the fresh produce workforce
- Supporting a sustainable produce sector
At its recent AGM in March, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada is advocating for the next federal government to ensure the industry can withstand trade disruptions.
“We need strong, proactive policies that protect Canadian fruit and vegetable growers from the ripple effects of international trade disputes,” Marcus Janzen, president of the FVGC, said in a statement. “Our industry is a key pillar of Canada’s food security, and we will continue to push for solutions that support our growers and consumers alike.”
Canadians can expect some familiar candidates with ties to ag in Ottawa to be on the ballots in their respective ridings.
John Barlow, the Conservative ag critic, is ready to run again in Alberta’s Foothills riding.
Yves Perron, the Bloc’s ag critic, is up for re-election in Quebec’s Berthier-Maskinongé community.
Two names, however, won’t be on ballots.
Richard Cannings, who took over the NDP ag critic duties from Alistair MacGregor in September 2024, announced he isn’t seeking re-election.
And former Liberal ag minister Lawrence MacAulay recently announced his retirement from politics after almost 40 years.