Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, fertilizers, ranchers, cattlemen and cattlewomen, and their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Consumer Price Index Rises 1.7% Year-Over-Year in April 2025

Statistics Canada released its April 2025 Consumer Price Index, showing a 1.7% year-over-year increase—down from the previous month's 2.3%. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the CPI fell by 0.2%. These consumer price movements inform cost structures and pricing strategies across the agricultural value chain, including food manufacturing and retailing.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Amendments to Canadian Turkey Marketing Quota Regulations Finalized for 2025-26 Control Period

The Canada Gazette, Part II published SOR/2025-125 amending the Canadian Turkey Marketing Quota Regulations under the Farm Products Agencies Act for the control period from April 27, 2025, to April 25, 2026. The revisions establish updated limitations for market allotment to producers and for the issuance of new market allotments to provinces.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Employment Insurance Rural and Small Town Dashboard Updated for March 2025

The Employment Insurance Beneficiaries in Rural and Small Town Canada: Interactive Dashboard has been updated with March 2025 data. The dashboard provides metrics relevant to rural labor markets, including trends potentially impacting farm labor availability and agri-workforce policy monitoring.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Agri-Food Appointment Announced

MP John Barlow announced his appointment as Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Agri-Food for the 45th Parliament, signaling ongoing engagement with producers and stakeholders at the federal level.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Allocates $9.5 Million Over Three Years to Veterinary Diagnostic Capacity

The Government of Alberta committed $9.5 million over three years to the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Services Unit, expanding in-province animal health testing for livestock producers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Invests $8.3 Million for Veterinary Training at Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Manitoba renewed its agreement with the University of Saskatchewan, providing $8.3 million for veterinary training in 2025-26. The partnership maintains Manitoba student access and supports sector demand for veterinarians.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Funding Improves Access to Food in Northern B.C.

The B.C. government issued a $2 million investment, distributed via Food Banks BC and the Public Health Association of BC, to support food access projects in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Crop Seeding Nears Three-Quarters Completion

Saskatchewan reported 72% of crops seeded as of May 19, up 23% from the previous week, with rain delays affecting some regions. Pulse crops and spring cereals led the progress, while soybean and perennial forage lagged.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Quebec Launches Municipal Research Chair for Eco-Responsible Agricultural Transition in Mirabel

Ville de Mirabel and INRS created a research chair with $300,000 funding over five years to advance ecological transition in agriculture and local innovation—backed by a wider $1.49M agreement through MAMH.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Heath MacDonald highlighted discussions with Grain Growers of Canada regarding the grain sector and market development.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Heath MacDonald reported his visit to Ferme Gillette in Embrun, sharing details from his meeting with dairy producers and local colleagues.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Heath MacDonald posted about meetings with Chicken Farmers of Canada, addressing ongoing collaboration for the poultry industry.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

John Barlow referenced Aspire Food Group’s receivership, noting previous federal and Farm Credit Canada funding allocations and expressing concern over oversight.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Rosa Galvez cited research linking high concentrations of microplastics to ultra-processed foods, as published by University of Ottawa scholars.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black promoted the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s outreach to reconnect Canadians with food producers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Heath MacDonald used his social media platform to report on meetings with Producteurs de poulet du Canada, continuing support for the poultry industry.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Heath MacDonald shared, in French, his meeting with Grain Growers representatives and outlined sector priorities for Canadian grains.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• New Agriculture Minister wants to seize momentum and launch Canadian food into new markets: Coverage on strategies for expanding Canadian food exports.
• Grain/Livestock Overview 5/22/25: Market summary on recent developments in grain and livestock sectors.
• Pure Hedge - Livestock and Grain: A look at hedging strategies and risk management in current agri-commodity markets.