Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding food and beverage manufacturing, processing, packaging, labelling, safety and inspections.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Start Date: 2025-03-30
End Date: 2025-04-05

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Federal Investment Bolsters Canadian Agrifood Sector

The Canadian government has announced a $200 million investment to support domestic food processing and agrifood workers. Key MPs, including Arielle Kayabaga, highlighted that this funding aims to create jobs and enhance market access for producers. This initiative, part of a broader Liberal strategy, is designed to strengthen the agrifood sector across Canada, with additional funds allocated to help producers reach new markets.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

Conservatives Plan to Cut Excise Tax on Beverages

Conservative MP Tracy Gray announced plans to eliminate the excise escalator tax on beer, wine, ciders, and spirits, reverting it to 2017 levels. This move is expected to relieve businesses and reduce consumer prices. Gray, drawing from her 27 years in the beverage industry, suggests this tax cut will benefit farmers, producers, and the hospitality sector across Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Support for Supply Management in Agriculture

MPs Sophie Chatel and François-Philippe Champagne have reiterated their commitment to Canada's supply management system, which ensures food security and autonomy. This system is particularly crucial for Quebec's dairy, poultry, and egg farms. The government intends to protect these sectors against external pressures, emphasizing their importance to the national economy and food security.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

New Statistics on Poultry and Eggs Released

Statistics Canada has released new data on stocks of frozen eggs, poultry meats, and dried egg products for March 2025. The report also includes data on hatchery chick placements and egg production, providing valuable insights into trends and supply levels within the poultry and egg sectors.

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

Alberta Announces Funding for Agrifood Infrastructure

The Alberta government has committed $1.8 million to road improvements in the County of Newell, enhancing access to the JBS Foods plant. This project aims to boost efficiency and safety for workers, supporting the region's agrifood sector by improving transportation infrastructure and facilitating better market access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Julie Dzerowicz Supports Agrifood Investments

MP Julie Dzerowicz emphasized the importance of recent $200 million investments aimed at defending and strengthening Canada's agrifood sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Robert Black Discusses Avian Influenza

Senator Robert Black met with FAO representatives to discuss Canadian policy responses to the Avian Influenza outbreak affecting the poultry industry.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• New Consumer Research from Food Processing Skills Canada: Significant shift in Canadian shopping habits due to US trade threats.
• Supply Management Debate: Opinion on the potential impacts and alternatives for Canada's dairy industry.
• University of Guelph's Food Innovation: Students develop innovative food products, highlighting academic contributions to the sector.
• Food Safety Tips: Advice on managing food safety after power outages.