This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, ranchers and their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers. Once a week, 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. Also consider subscribing to our Agri-Food - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Interest-Free Limit Raised for Advance Payments Program in 2026

On April 1, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the interest-free portion under the Advance Payments Program will be set at $250,000 for the 2026 program year on all non-canola advances. This policy change increases the amount for which interest is covered by the federal government, enabling easier access to up to $1 million in cash advances for producers based on the expected value of their agricultural products. The program now allows increased interest savings for producers, improving cash flow flexibility—critical during periods of uncertainty. Farmers can utilize advances for essential input purchases and operating expenses, as well as select optimal timing for marketing their products, without immediate cash constraints. The federal commitment aims to assist producers in managing financial challenges and supporting production for the coming growing season.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review on Whole Potato Imports from the United States

On April 1, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal began an expiry review (RR-2026-001) on its prior order regarding the dumping of certain whole potatoes from the US. The Tribunal will assess whether expiry would likely lead to continued or resumed dumping and resulting injury to the domestic industry. The Canada Border Services Agency is scheduled to make a determination by August 28, 2026, with the Tribunal’s injury assessment slated for February 4, 2027 if dumping is found likely. Interested parties can participate by submitting Form I—Notice of Participation. The Tribunal provides independent advice on anti-dumping, tariff, and trade matters affecting industry and supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor Invests $1.5 Million to Expand Veterinary Education in Northern Ontario

FedNor announced a $1.5 million investment to establish the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The initiative, in partnership with the University of Guelph, is designed to address persistent shortages of veterinary expertise impacting northern and rural agricultural economies. Scheduled to begin in 2027, students will undergo training at Lakehead and complete their degree at Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. The program expands access to specialized veterinary and biosecurity training for livestock, herd management, and disease response, with a focus on strengthening agribusiness and food production systems in the region, including Indigenous communities and businesses.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CanNor Invests Over $1.75 Million into Community-Led Food Security Projects in the Northwest Territories

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) committed $1,753,799 to five projects designed to enhance food security, infrastructure, and business growth in the Northwest Territories. Initiatives include Black Spruce Education Centre’s multi-year facility for training and entrepreneurship, Promise for the North’s modular greenhouse for year-round food growing, Territorial Agrifood Association’s food processing hub in Yellowknife, CS Environmental’s new food hub showcasing Great Slave Lake fish and regional products, and Fish on the Bay’s expansion to meet increased demand for locally processed fish. These investments create new opportunities in growing, harvesting, and processing, reducing reliance on southern imports, and supporting self-sufficiency and economic resilience in northern communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

PrairiesCan Announces $7.46 Million in Regional Tariff Response Initiative Investments for Alberta

Prairies Economic Development Canada detailed a federal investment totaling $7,464,217 for five Edmonton projects through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), targeting businesses impacted by tariffs. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce received $3.5 million for trade missions and supply chain improvements benefiting agriculture and manufacturing. Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd., Cast Steel Products, Demir Engineering Ltd., and RAM Elevators & Lifts Inc. are set to adopt advanced manufacturing, digitization, and AI tools to boost productivity and expand domestic and international market capacity. The initiative supports efforts to address tariff-related trade disruptions and position Alberta companies for global trade growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

PrairiesCan Invests $7.1 Million in Projects to Grow Brandon’s Economy

On April 2, $7.1 million in federal funding was allocated to six Brandon-based projects. Assiniboine College will use $2.25 million for a Mechatronics Engineering Technology program supporting technological adoption in agriculture. Bushel Plus Ltd. will receive $577,000 to expand agri-tech exports, while Greenstone Building Products gains more than $1 million to bolster manufacturing for construction materials. These initiatives are designed to strengthen regional supply chains, expand skilled labor training, and drive innovation in agricultural technology and homebuilding sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Secretary Chatel to Announce Local Measures Supporting Canadian Beverage Producers

On April 2, 2026, Sophie Chatel, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will address measures supporting Canadian brewers, distilleries, and wine makers in Chelsea, Quebec. The announcement will cover actions intended to lower taxes and support local businesses during an active sporting and tourism season, with an emphasis on protecting jobs and reducing expenses for producers and Canadians.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Farm Stress Line Partnership Strengthens Mental Health Access for Saskatchewan Producers

Starting April 1, SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc. manages the Farm Stress Line, offering 24/7 confidential crisis counselling for Saskatchewan's agricultural producers, their families, and employees. The Government of Canada and Saskatchewan are jointly funding $200,000 per year for two years through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP). SaskAgMatters, in conjunction with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, extends agricultural training-focused mental health support, including follow-up sessions. CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion joint investment supporting rural competitiveness and resiliency, with $1 billion federal programs and $2.5 billion cost-shared provincial/territorial funding.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statement from Ministers on Strychnine Use in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada issued a joint statement regarding the use of strychnine for pest control in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The federal government responded to advocacy from provincial ministries, addressing the registration and regulatory approach for emergency use applications targeting Richardson’s ground squirrels.

Sources: www.canada.ca

March 2026 Poultry and Egg Statistics Released

Statistics Canada published March 2026 poultry and egg data including provincial-level production, stocks of frozen eggs and poultry meats, and edible dried egg products. February 2026 data cover placements of hatchery chicks and turkey poults; January 2026 includes egg production figures.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

February 2026 Oilseed Crushing and Grain Deliveries Data

Oilseed processors in Canada crushed 951.4 thousand tonnes of canola in February, reflecting a 9.7% decrease from January but a 7.8% increase over February 2025. Oil production reached 408.6 thousand tonnes; meal output hit 548.4 thousand tonnes.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Approves Emergency Use Registration for Strychnine

Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, announced approval from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency for emergency registration of liquid strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels, following coordinated applications with Saskatchewan.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Enacts Regulation for Weed and Pest Control on Oil and Gas Sites

Alberta's new Oil and Gas Conservation Regulation grants the Alberta Energy Regulator enforcement authority to require weed and pest control on oil and gas sites, with municipal inspectors able to trigger compliance action as of May 1.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Introduces Bill 22: Modernizing Animal Protection Act

Alberta tabled Bill 22 amending the Animal Protection Act, updating definitions, expanding inspection powers, and increasing penalties for non-compliance—including fines up to $250,000 and jail terms up to 12 months, with enhanced inter-provincial enforcement provisions.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $838,000 to Protect Amherstburg Workers Impacted by US Tariffs

Ontario announced $838,000 investment to shield Amherstburg’s workforce from tariff effects, launching a regional investment readiness strategy aimed at supply chain diversification and supporting advanced manufacturing and agri-business.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Allocates $5.3 Million for Food Relief Programs

Nova Scotia distributed $5.3 million from the Feeding Communities Fund to 315 non-profit and charity food programs, supported by proceeds from the sale of US alcohol products removed in response to tariffs.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation: Proposed Changes to the List of Pests Regulated by Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency invites public feedback until June 5, 2026 regarding proposed removals from the List of pests regulated by Canada, affecting quarantine pest management under the Plant Protection Act.

Sources: inspection.canada.ca

Consultation: Proposed Re-evaluation Decision for Famoxadone

Health Canada is seeking input on the continued registration and updated standard label statements for famoxadone and its end-use product, open until June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Maximum Residue Limit for Sedaxane

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is accepting comments until April 5, 2026 on the proposed maximum residue limit for sedaxane pesticide applications.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Proposed Registration for Etofenprox Technical and Related Aerosol Premise Sprays

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is proposed to register etofenprox-based products for broadcast and spot pest control in various structures. Comments are open until April 11, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Proposed Maximum Residue Limit for 1-methylcyclopropene

Written comments on the proposed MRL for 1-methylcyclopropene for controlled-atmosphere storage are welcomed by Health Canada until April 11, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New facility to highlight connection between science and agriculture: A Canadian news outlet reports on a new agricultural science facility near Listowel.
• Rising costs, global uncertainty prompt calls to modernize Alberta’s agriculture sector: report: Analysis of pressures facing Alberta's sector.
• The Canadian GMO mustard wars: Dijon vs. canola: Ongoing competition between Dijon and canola varieties is featured.
• What the collapse of world's largest cricket farm reveals about hype, markets and public money: CBC reviews the cricket sector fallout and public funding.
• Designs unveiled for Canada’s first agricultural science centre planned near Listowel: Details on a planned agricultural research facility are released.

.