May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House of Commons AGRI Committee: Food Security in the Face of Global Instability – June 9: The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food will meet on June 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to examine food security issues amid global instability. Industry witnesses include the Association des producteurs maraîchers du Québec, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, Greenhouse Produce Alliance of Canada, and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.
• House of Commons Finance Committee: Bill C-30, Implementation of Spring Economic Update – June 8: The Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause review of Bill C-30, focused on spring economic update measures, on June 8. The session includes CFIA, Employment and Social Development, Finance, Health, and Transport Canada officials.
• House International Trade Committee: CUSMA Review and Canada’s Trade with Japan – June 9: On June 9, the International Trade Committee discusses preparations for the CUSMA review, featuring the National Cattle Feeders' Association and, subsequently, Canadian Canola Growers Association regarding Canada’s trade with Japan.
• House of Commons Citizenship and Immigration Committee: Global Talent Strategies – June 8: The Citizenship and Immigration Committee will meet June 8 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to assess strategies for attracting and empowering global talent, including witnesses from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and industry partners.
• House of Commons Government Operations Committee: Buy Canadian Policy – June 9: The Committee on Government Operations and Estimates examines the 'Buy Canadian Policy' on June 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with presentations from policy analysts and business representatives.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee: Food Security in Canada – June 9: The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will hold meetings on June 9 starting at 6:30 p.m., continuing its study on the food security role of Canada’s agri-food sector. Witnesses include the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre and industry representatives.
• Senate National Finance Committee: Main Estimates and Agriculture Agencies – June 9 and 10: The Senate National Finance Committee will consider the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada appearing on June 9, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada scheduled for June 10.
• Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee: CUSMA and Agri-Food Trade – June 10: On June 10, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee reviews CUSMA and Canada’s broader trade relations, with witnesses including the Canadian Pork Council and industry trade groups.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee: Aquaculture Scientist Expert Witness – June 11: The Agriculture and Forestry Committee convenes June 11 at 8:00 a.m. with a panel including aquaculture scientist Cyr Couturier, continuing its examination of the agri-food sector’s contribution to national food security.

Federal Government News

CFIA Moves Ahead with Revised Livestock Traceability Regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a revised approach to its livestock traceability regulations following recent industry consultations. Amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations will bring traceability requirements for goats, sheep, and cervids into alignment with those for cattle and bison, while new pig traceability provisions, already supported by the sector, will advance. Updated requirements include the option for regulated parties to use provincial premises ID numbers instead of personal information when reporting, new animal identification and event reporting for goats and cervids, and slaughter/export reporting for sheep. The reporting window for abattoirs and carcass collection points will be shortened from 30 days to 7 days. Cattle and bison movement reporting changes are not proceeding at this stage. The CFIA plans to further engage with industry on future improvements. Final amendments will be scheduled following the conclusion of ongoing stakeholder feedback.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIA Publishes Annual Food Safety Testing Reports: High Rates of Compliance

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency released results from three national monitoring programs, confirming strong compliance with national food safety standards for both domestic and imported products in the most recent reporting periods. The 2024-25 National Microbiological Monitoring Program saw domestic foods meeting standards in 99% of 5,305 product tests; imported products were 98.9% satisfactory. The National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program for 2022-23 tested over 15,500 samples, with 97.5% found compliant. All pureed baby food samples tested for pesticides under the 2023 Children’s Food Project met national standards. Where non-compliance was found, responses included notifying producers, conducting additional inspections or sampling, and product recalls. Full datasets and reports are made available through Canada’s Open Data portal.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Health Acknowledges Food Safety Protections on World Food Safety Day

On World Food Safety Day, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel reaffirmed Canada’s use of science and data in risk prevention and food systems oversight. Health Canada sets science-based standards, while the CFIA administers ongoing compliance checks, inspections, and recall efforts. The Minister cited CFIA’s recently released testing data, which demonstrated high rates of compliance across food categories, as foundational to maintaining domestic consumer confidence and international trading partner trust. The Minister also noted that the Agency oversees about 2,800 food safety investigations annually, with activities prompted by inspections, laboratories, and consumer complaints. Preventative measures, support for food businesses, and timely public communications in the case of recalls remain operational focuses.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIA Introduces Temporary Restrictions on Livestock Imports from Texas Due to Screwworm Detection

Following confirmation of New World screwworm in a calf in Texas, the CFIA has implemented temporary restrictions on livestock imports, including horses, from affected areas. Livestock that have been in Texas within the 21 days prior to border crossing are barred from entering Canada. CFIA is coordinating with U.S. agencies to monitor ongoing developments and will update its measures as necessary. New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasitic fly, poses a risk to animal health. Although establishment of the pest is unlikely due to Canada’s climate, temporary measures are intended to minimize any potential for introduction. Veterinarians and animal owners are being advised to remain alert for symptoms, and immediate reporting of suspected cases is mandatory under the Health of Animals Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Statement on Grocery and Food Supply Chain Practices

Jeanne Pratt, Interim Commissioner of the Competition Bureau, delivered remarks to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food addressing the Bureau’s work in food price monitoring and enforcement. The Bureau has prioritized affordability and competition in the grocery sector, referencing its 2023 market study identifying concentration and property controls as key barriers to competition. Recent enforcement includes securing a binding agreement with Parrish & Heimbecker related to a grain elevator acquisition and ongoing investigations into grocery retailers' property controls. The Bureau continues to work with governments to promote the removal of anti-competitive barriers and outlined guidance published in 2025 for property control practices among grocers and landlords.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister MacDonald Reappoints Benoit Basillais as CEO of the Canadian Dairy Commission

Benoit Basillais has been reappointed for a further three-year term as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission, effective July 4, 2026. The reappointment, made by Minister Heath MacDonald, draws on Basillais’s more than 20 years of experience within the Commission, including in policy, economics, and management roles. The Commission’s mandate includes supporting the Canadian dairy sector and supply management framework.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Meet to Discuss Rural Development Priorities

Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers with responsibilities for rural development gathered in Morell, Prince Edward Island on June 5 to advance collaboration and review shared priorities. Delegates discussed the rural economy’s contributions, workforce retention, infrastructure needs, and strategies to address unique geographic and logistical challenges. The meetings included review of the draft Rural Development Action Plan, set to launch later in 2026, which draws on consultations with sector leaders, businesses, and Indigenous partners from across Canada. The plan aims to improve federal support for rural and northern communities, including agri-food and resource-based regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Marks Local Food Week, Publishes 2026 Local Food Report

Ontario celebrates its annual Local Food Week from June 1-7, 2026, recognizing the sector’s contribution to the province’s supply chain. The 2026 Local Food Report details achievements in promoting food grown and produced in Ontario.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Funds Poultry Barn Upgrades to Guard Against Avian Influenza

The Government of British Columbia launched a $2.5 million program supporting upgrades such as air filters and UV systems for poultry farms, targeting approximately 50 Fraser Valley producers to reduce avian influenza risk. Applications are accepted through June.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Issues Fines for Pesticides Act Violations at Waterloo Nursery

Mar-John’s Nursery Limited and its director were fined a total of $11,250 for unauthorized pesticide use. Convictions included applying expired products and procedures resulting in employee exposure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Awards $5 Million in Conservation Grants to Landowners

Alberta’s government is providing $5 million to support ten private land conservation and ecosystem services projects, benefiting more than 17,000 acres across the province.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Hosts First-Ever Meeting Between Provincial Businesses and U.S. Trade Representatives

Key Manitoba exporters, including agri-food groups, met with U.S. trade officials in Washington, D.C. to discuss collaborative opportunities and regional priorities ahead of the CUSMA review.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Launched on Registration of Spiropidion Insecticide

Health Canada opened a consultation for the proposed registration of Spiropidion Technical Insecticide and A20262 Insecticide to control aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites in terrestrial and greenhouse crops. Feedback is accepted through July 5, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Why Canadians are paying more for chicken at the checkout lane: Article examines current factors driving retail poultry prices.
• School Meals Could Drive Growth in Ontario and Greenbelt Agri-Food Sectors, New Report Finds: Report reviews the impact of school meal programs on provincial agri-food growth.
• Could Calgary-based Knead Technologies be the Uber of food recovery?: Startup aims to apply gig-economy models to food waste reduction.

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