Winnipeg, MB – Canola farmers are ready to work with Canada’s new Government to advance issues impacting the sector. Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food as well as appointments to key Ministerial portfolios that directly impact agriculture.
“As an export-dependent sector, canola is facing some big challenges that require leadership and collaboration with the federal government,” says Rick White, President & CEO of Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “With a new Cabinet in place and Parliament soon to resume, it’s time to get to work solving the challenges farmers face at home and beyond our borders.”
"As the national policy voice for Canada’s nearly 40,000 canola farmers, we congratulate the Honourable Heath MacDonald on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food," says Andre Harpe, Chair of CCGA. “We look forward to working with Minister MacDonald to harness innovation and capitalize on opportunities for stability and long-term growth.”
Several other key portfolios have a direct impact on the sector, including the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Chrystia Freeland.
CCGA recently identified five priorities in A Roadmap for Canada’s Next Government, including enhancing trade and market diversification, investing in infrastructure, strengthening business risk management, unleashing innovation, and reducing barriers for on-farm investment.
“We are ready to work with the new government to secure canola farmer competitiveness and Canadian prosperity," says Harpe. “Our roadmap of five priorities outlines a path to success.”
Developed in Canada, canola is a hallmark of Canadian innovation. Canola is Canada’s most widely seeded crop and has repeatedly been the number one source of farm revenue from crops. Annually, the industry contributes $43.7 billion to the nation’s economy and provides for 206,000 Canadian jobs. In 2024, canola exports were valued at $14.5 billion.