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, as well as their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers in food manufacturing and processing. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Agri-Food? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-10-19 to 2025-10-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House ENVI Committee Meets to Review Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: On October 27, the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee convenes to discuss the effectiveness and potential improvements of Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan. Witnesses include Colin Hornby (Keystone Agricultural Producers), with sessions from Clean Prosperity and Pembina Institute scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• House SRSR Committee to Investigate Private Sector Investment in R&D: On October 27, the Science and Research Committee meets to study private sector investment in research and development. Featured witnesses include Grace Lee Reynolds (MaRS Discovery District) and Bruce Johnson (Martinrea International Inc.), with panel discussions between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Senate AGFO Committee Examines Wildfire Effects on Forestry and Agriculture: On October 30, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will assess wildfire impacts with input from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, John Gradek (McGill University), and representatives from De Havilland, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Ottawa.
• Senate AEFA Committee Reviews CUSMA and US-Mexico Trade Relationships: On October 29, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee discusses CUSMA and continental trade with testimony from Kirsten Hillman (Ambassador to the US), Martin Moen (Global Affairs Canada), Jean Simard (Aluminium Association of Canada), and Catherine Cobden (Canadian Steel Producers Association), at 4:15 p.m.

Canadian Federal GR News

Minister MacDonald to Visit China to Advance Agricultural Collaboration

On October 25, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald announced his upcoming visit to Shanghai, Beijing, and Qingdao from October 27 to November 3, focusing on strengthening agricultural collaboration between Canada and China. China remained Canada's second-largest market for food and seafood exports in 2024, and the largest in the Indo-Pacific region. MacDonald's agenda includes meetings with senior Chinese officials and business leaders to promote high-quality Canadian agri-food products and address bilateral challenges. This mission aligns with the commitment by Prime Minister Carney and Premier Li Qiang to establish more regular communication channels. Canadian farmers, ranchers, and processors stand to reinforce existing trade relationships and explore new opportunities through these discussions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

FedNor Invests $786,294 to Support Over 40 Northern Ontario Businesses at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

On October 24, Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary, announced a $786,294 investment from FedNor to support the operation of the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. The pavilion will feature 47 businesses exhibiting products aimed at increasing sales and market reach, with opportunities for partnerships and growth. Over the past decade, participation has generated $9.8 million in sales for over 400 Northern Ontario companies. The fair, running November 7–16, draws around 300,000 visitors annually, providing a national and international platform for Ontario’s agri-food exporters.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Dairy Commission Chairperson Jennifer Hayes Reappointed for Four-Year Term

Minister Heath MacDonald confirmed the reappointment of Jennifer Hayes as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission, effective December 23, 2025, for a four-year term. Hayes, the first woman to hold the role, was previously Commissioner since 2017 and Chairperson since 2021. A third-generation farmer from Shigawake, Quebec, Hayes is active in rural development and governance through work with L’Union des Producteurs Agricoles. The reappointment assures continuity in the oversight of the Canadian dairy supply chain and policy.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Strategic Investments to Strengthen Alberta’s Defence Sector with Dual-Use Technology for Agriculture

On October 23, Prairies Economic Development Canada announced a $2 million federal investment for ConvergX Global Solutions Foundation to accelerate the commercialization of Canadian-made defence technologies. Delivered in Calgary by MP Corey Hogan, the initiative focuses on the Xpand Commercialization Zone, which will provide Alberta SMEs with testing, validation, and export readiness for dual-use innovations relevant to defence, energy, agriculture, and AI. Additional funding from Boeing and OCIF is expected, broadening access for Alberta businesses in global supply chains, including agri-tech applications.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

$5.4M for Climate Resilience: HAWC Satellite Mission Contracts Awarded

Minister Mélanie Joly announced on October 23 that two contracts totalling $5.4 million have been awarded to ABB Inc. and Honeywell Canada for advancing technology for the High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) mission. The mission, focusing on Arctic atmospheric research, will support comprehensive system design for the Thin Ice Clouds and Far InfraRed Emissions (TICFIRE) instrument. Data generated is expected to inform forecasts and adaptation for extreme weather across communities, including agricultural regions. The program will create 160 positions in the Canadian space sector, fostering innovation with national and international scientific reach.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Addresses Wildfires: Insurance, Technology, and Resilience

On October 23, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, led by Senator Robert Black, met to discuss wildfire impacts. Liam McGuinty from the Insurance Bureau called for improved building codes and a national flood map portal that includes wildfire risks. NRC’s Jean-François Houle presented research and guidance for resilient rebuilding, while Senator McNair questioned costs of climate adaptation. Public-private collaboration for drone technology in firefighting was presented by Alex Deslauriers (FireSwarm) and Domenico Iannidinardo. Insurance industry adjustments and deployment logistics were discussed, with committee members evaluating the bridge between re search and practical implementation.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Examines Wildfire Impact on Indigenous and Agricultural Communities

On October 21, Senate’s Agriculture and Forestry Committee reviewed wildfire impacts on agriculture and Indigenous communities. Brennan Merasty (Métis Nation-Saskatchewan) noted destruction of traditional lands, with David Beaudin (Manitoba Métis Federation) reporting insurance challenges. Francyne Joe (First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of BC) requested $27.9 million for First Nations emergency management. Discussions centered on displacement, capacity-building, and jurisdictional complexity, including calls for tailored community training and improved data collection processes.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Foreign Affairs Discusses Canada–Mexico Partnership and Upcoming CUSMA Review

On October 23, Ambassador Cameron MacKay briefed the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Peter Boehm, on Canada’s trade relationship with Mexico. With CUSMA’s review ahead in 2026, the ambassador noted ongoing cooperation and the strategic elevation of the Canada–Mexico relationship. Upcoming events include a major agriculture-focused trade mission in February and logistics infrastructure initiatives connected to the FIFA World Cup. Topics included opportunities for Canadian exports, internal regulatory alignment, and addressing CUSMA’s rules of origin as businesses prepare for expanded market activity.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate National Finance Addresses Emission Reduction and Export Competitiveness

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, chaired by Claude Carignan on October 21, discussed fiscal approaches for emission reduction and maintaining export competitiveness. Professor Olaf Weber (York University) presented Canada’s challenges in the oil and gas sector, advocating for fiscal alignment with climate goals, diversified infrastructure and responsiveness to international carbon regulations. EDC’s Scott Moore highlighted export development support, while resource development and concerns about foreign takeovers were also raised. Discussions included opinions on LNG investments and the impact of sector adjustment taxes.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases Q3 Wheat Milling and Flour Production Data

Third quarter data released on October 24 by Statistics Canada indicates 870,000 tonnes of wheat milled nationally, resulting in 678,000 tonnes of wheat flour produced. The figures serve as an input for supply chain analysis and market forecasting and are widely referenced by processors and exporters.

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

FedNor to Announce Additional Support for Agri-Food Businesses in Northern Ontario

Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary, is scheduled to announce new FedNor support for Northern Ontario’s agri-food businesses on October 24 at Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing in Sturgeon Falls. The upcoming announcement, made on behalf of Minister Patty Hajdu, addresses sector growth and provides opportunity to examine federal programs aiding regional food producers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Wraps Up 2025 Harvest: Quality and Yield Update

Alberta Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson reported that most regions will surpass five-year average yields, with noticeable quality in spring wheat, barley, and canola, while durum, oats, and dry peas are grading lower.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Launches Enhanced Replant Program for Climate-Resilient Fruit, Berry, and Wine Crops

British Columbia announced funding for an Enhanced Replant Program, aiding 809.4 hectares of orchards and vineyards this fall to boost fruit production and competitive adaptation against climate impacts.

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

Wild Animal Vaccination Campaign Targets Raccoon Rabies in Estrie, Quebec

Quebec’s environment ministry will distribute 134,000 vaccine baits across Estrie to reduce raccoon rabies spread after cases were confirmed in the region and neighboring Vermont.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Sanctions Law Enacting Civil Security Act to Improve Disaster Resilience

Quebec sanctioned a new Civil Security Act, optimizing emergency communications and transferring forest fire protection oversight to the Ministry of Public Security.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Reduces Wait Times for Water Licences

Alberta’s government announced a 52% reduction in Water Act licence application times over the past year, aided by digital system improvements and new service targets.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Opens Consultation on DEET Re-Evaluation

Health Canada is consulting publicly on a proposed re-evaluation of DEET and related toluamides, with updated labelling to meet current standards; feedback accepted until January 21, 2026.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Manitoba man’s agricultural invention makes Time Magazine’s best of 2025 list: Profile of a local innovation receiving international recognition.
• The food you toss costs you plenty and emits tons of pollution. We've got tips on how to cut down: Overview of economic and environmental costs tied to food waste.
• ‘Regenerative farming’ million acre challenge focuses on agriculture rich southern Ontario: Challenge launched to promote soil stewardship in Ontario.
• Nunavummiut want to see next territorial government address high cost of food: Residents call for action on food affordability in Nunavut.
• As trade war drags on, Canadian canola farmers sit on a mountain of seed: Analysis of stockpiles amid continued trade uncertainty.
• Quebec grocery stores repeatedly fined for rodent infestations, food safety violations: Food safety enforcement actions in Quebec retail sector.
• Que. grocery stores repeatedly fined for rodent infestations, food safety violations: Further coverage of retail food safety compliance in Quebec.

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