Animal-based agriculture environmentally harmful, says letter-writer
Reading The Hill Times’ excellent green economy policy briefing on March 21, I was disappointed by its greenhouse gas omissions. I must ask, “Where’s the beef?” Missing from the briefing was any mention of agriculture and, in particular, animal-based agriculture despite it being a major source of greenhouse gases and other serious pollutants and a […]
Meat industry officials see opportunity in TPP
On the heels of Canada’s meat industry winning a trade dispute over labelling of products in the United States, the sector sees opportunity in the signed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said it was “elated” by the U.S. repealing its country of origin labelling (COOL) after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled […]
A primer on House of Commons committee members, agendas
As of now, almost all House committees have elected their chairs but just 16 per cent, or four of the 25 committees are chaired by women, and 40 per cent, or 10 of 25 of committee chairs are rookies. According to The Hill Times review of committee makeups, male and veteran MPs are still dominating the […]
Five steps to redefine Canada’s agri-food system for the future
With one of the safest food systems anywhere, Canadians can trust the food they eat. But consumers here and abroad are pushing the bounds of what “trust” means to them. Can Canada lead the world in redefining trust for the future? Food costs are a primary concern for many consumers. Nevertheless, a wide range of […]
Many Canadians struggle to put food on the table, five things about food insecurity in Canada
For many Canadians, food plays a central role in the holiday festivities. But for those experiencing food insecurity, a bountiful feast was not in the cards this year. More than four million Canadians, including 1.15 million children experience some level of food insecurity. Food insecurity, also known as ‘food poverty,’ can cause significant anxiety over […]
GM & Irradiated Foods
Government continuing to review low-level presence policy for GM foods
The new Liberal government has not yet made a move toward finalizing, or backing out of, the federal study on allowing food and feed imports with a low-level presence (LLP) of genetically modified material into Canada. “The government is taking the time required to review all of the issues associated with LLP, domestic and international, […]
Food Production
Ag Minister Ritz blames media for weakening Canada’s negotiating power on TPP
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz accused CBC and Canada’s major news outlets Wednesday of weakening Canada’s bargaining power at historic negotiations over a Trans-Pacific trade deal through reports the government may cede ground on the country’s regulation-protected dairy industry. Mr. Ritz took the shots at the media during an election debate in Ottawa where the Atlanta, […]
Supply management, agriculture policy needs to evolve, respond to consumers’ cravings: panel
The Canadian government needs to start taking a longer-term view of agriculture policy if it is to remain a home-grown industry, says University of Toronto professor and author Grace Skogstad. “We need to take a longer term view of agriculture, we need to devise policies that are not geared to reelection over the next four […]
