KINGS HANTS: A policy resolution put forward by Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois is among the top 30 that will be considered at the virtual Liberal National Convention taking place April 8-10.
The resolution, Canada as an Agricultural and Agri-Food Superpower, calls on the Government of Canada to create a suite of policies that support farmers and agri-food processors to increase Canada’s competitiveness as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery.
“Agriculture is a key industry across the country and will have a role to play in our economic recovery,” said Blois, who serves as Chair of the National Rural Liberal Caucus. “This policy resolution aims to grow the sector and give our farmers and agri-food processors a competitive advantage coming out of the pandemic.”
The policies will focus on investments to support regional agri-food capacity, extend growing seasons and increase exports, while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
It highlights the importance of the feds working with industry stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to position Canada as an agriculture superpower. To help Canadian manufacturers remain globally competitive, the policy also recommends bolstering investment in research and innovation.
“I am proud of the work our government has done to support the agriculture industry, but there is always more work to do,” said Blois. “It is my hope this policy will be well received by Liberal delegates and will become Party policy.”
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) welcomes Blois’s policy resolution to promote Canada as an agriculture superpower.
“Canada’s beef sector is well positioned to help the Canadian economy recover through the pandemic while also continuing to contribute positively to the environment. Growing research and innovation is key and will help the beef sector move towards our industry’s 2030 sustainability goals.”
– Bob Lowe, President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
“The world needs more Canadian agriculture, and the fertilizer industry is proud to support policies that help achieve this. Canadian innovations, like 4R Nutrient Stewardship, will continue to demonstrate the sustainability of Canadian agriculture and help reinvigorate the economy as we emerge from COVID-19. We urge all parties to empower Canada’s agricultural industry.”
– Karen Proud, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada
“CHC welcomes this initiative, and the acknowledgement of Canada’s potential as an agricultural superpower. Prioritizing agriculture by making more focused investments will not only help expand the industry, but better support the fruit and vegetable growers who deliver the fresh, nutritious food to Canadians’ plates every day. This resolution is a step in the right direction, and following through on it will help our growers remain competitive for years to come.”
– Jan VanderHout, President, Canadian Horticultural Council
“Wine Growers Canada, which represents over 92 per cent of wine production in Canada, supports the Liberal Party’s resolution #3371 that identifies Canada as an Agricultural and Agri-food Superpower. Wine ranks among the highest of Canada’s value-added agri-food products. Focusing on investments to support regional agriculture and agri-food is critical to the growth and sustainability of the agri-food industry in Canada.”
– Dan Paszkowski, President and CEO, Wine Growers Canada
The resolution for Canada as an Agricultural and Agri-Food Superpowercan be found at https://2021.liberal.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/365/2021/03/Resolutions-from-National-Prioritization-Vote.pdf.
