September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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

• Senate Committee Reviews Division 13 of Bill C-31 Related to Agriculture and Agri-Food: On September 29, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will examine agricultural provisions of Bill C-31, hearing from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CFIA, Health Canada, CropLife Canada, Grain Growers of Canada, and other industry groups.
• Senate Agriculture Committee Continues Bill C-31 Review with Stakeholder Testimony: The committee reconvenes on October 1, 2026, to hear from the Canadian Public Health Association and Environmental Defence Canada regarding Division 13 of Part 4 of Bill C-31.

Federal Government News

Competition Bureau and Empire Formalize Legally Binding Deal on Grocery Property Controls

The Competition Bureau announced a legally binding consent agreement with Empire, parent company of Sobeys and multiple grocery chains, concluding concerns about Empire’s use of restrictive property controls in Canadian grocery real estate. The Bureau found that these practices, including restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses, limited the ability of competitors to enter or expand within the sector. Under the terms of the agreement, Empire will no longer enforce existing restrictive covenants, refrain from entering new ones, and restrict its use of exclusivity clauses. The commitments are now enforceable via registration with the Competition Tribunal. This development aims to provide greater certainty and lower entry barriers for new grocery retailers. The Bureau's broader investigation into the use of such controls by other grocers is ongoing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Introduces Bill C-39 to Reform Infrastructure Project Reviews and Supply Chains

The federal government introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, designed to accelerate infrastructure project reviews and strengthen the labour and supply chain frameworks. The legislation targets federal review periods for major projects, requiring completion within one year of a comprehensive proponent application. The Act proposes to designate strategic trade corridors, modernize port governance, reduce regulatory burdens, and advance new transport digitalization strategies. Additionally, regulatory changes include hiring 100 new health and safety officers and staffing enhancements at the Canada Industrial Relations Board, intended to address inspection capacity and complaint backlogs. The government has issued a Cabinet Directive aligning with these timelines, underscoring coordination across industry, Indigenous, labour, and provincial partners. These measures are positioned to streamline investment and project execution related to agri-food trade corridors and logistics.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Announces Call for Information on Retail Grocery Pricing Policies

On September 28, the Competition Bureau will publish a call for information focusing on pricing rules within the retail grocery sector. This initiative supports ongoing examination of the Canadian food supply chain and follows up on the Bureau’s previous retail grocery market study and recommendations. Interested parties will have the opportunity to submit information that may inform policy and competition oversight. The move comes amid scrutiny over pricing mechanisms, with the Bureau reiterating its mandate to gather actionable data and stakeholder input.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Outlines Framework for International Cooperation on Carbon Markets

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced preparations for a policy framework to facilitate Canadian participation in trading internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) as per Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Minister Julie Dabrusin noted the initiative could enable Canadian companies to participate in international carbon markets, supporting investment in carbon removal technologies and related activities. The government referenced forecasts by Carbon Removal Canada, projecting billions in GDP and job creation potential by 2050. The move aligns with existing international climate finance commitments and the government’s intent to drive competitiveness as the carbon economy evolves.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Funds Over 10,000 New Farm Safety Initiatives

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, announced an investment of up to $1,071,532 over two years for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association. The funding, announced by MP Ben Carr on behalf of Minister Heath MacDonald, will finance initiatives such as training, safety campaigns, and injury prevention research. The investment aims to foster safer environments for farmers, families, and farm workers nationally via the AgriCompetitiveness Program.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Collaborate on Food Awareness and Innovation

During Farm and Food Awareness Week, federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn confirmed $260,000 through Sustainable CAP to support local agri-food programming. The partnership includes a five-year strategic framework between Manitoba and EIT Food, Europe's largest innovation community, linking Manitoba’s research strengths with EIT’s international network. The arrangement focuses on research, innovation, and market development, as well as digital and broadcast initiatives connecting Manitobans to locally produced food. Sustainable CAP comprises a $3.5-billion investment across Canadian food and agri-product sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mitacs Secures $162 Million Federal Support for AI Work Placements in Canadian Industry

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will direct up to $162 million over five years to Mitacs, supporting 10,000 co-funded AI-focused work placements for post-secondary students, graduates, and post-doctoral fellows. Announced by Minister Evan Solomon, the funding prioritizes practical AI adoption and innovation in business, including agriculture. The program, part of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, intends to create up to 90,000 AI job opportunities by 2031. Through structured channels like the ADOPT and AI+X streams, businesses will access talent to facilitate AI deployment and commercial application.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Oilseed Crushing Activity in Canada: August 2026 Update

Statistics Canada reported that in August 2026, Canadian processors crushed 1.2 million tonnes of canola. This figure reflects a 6.4% decrease compared to July but a notable 42.5% increase over August 2025. Oil production totaled 530,700 tonnes, with meal production reaching 724,900 tonnes. The industry continues to monitor monthly fluctuations relative to production planning and export commitments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Employment Insurance Dashboard for Rural and Small Town Canada Updated

The Employment Insurance Beneficiaries in Rural and Small Town Canada dashboard, updated for July 2026 by Statistics Canada, provides current metrics relevant for sectoral labour analysis. Industry stakeholders can access the tool for review of beneficiary trends and workforce dynamics in rural markets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Schedules Periodic Review of Beef Producers' Joint Marketing Plan

The Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec will hold a public evaluation of Beef Producers of Quebec’s interventions under the 2020–2024 Joint Plan on November 3, 2026. Stakeholders can register in advance to participate.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Launches 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards Nominations

The Ontario government is accepting nominations for the 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, recognizing contributions in economic development, youth leadership, and rural innovation. Nominations are open through October 23, 2026.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Invests $1 Million to Expand Genome Alberta Work Placements

Alberta will allocate $1 million from 2026 to 2029 to increase Genome Alberta’s work placement program, expecting to support up to 20 SMEs and 20 placements. The initiative targets bioinformatics, big data, and ag-bio skills.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Calls for Hunter Participation in Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance

Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources urges hunters to submit samples of harvested white-tailed deer for surveillance of Chronic Wasting Disease during the 2026 hunting season in designated regions.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Allocates $5 Million to Control Invasive Phragmites

The provincial government is investing $5 million to support 119 projects tackling invasive phragmites, managed by the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy of Canada. The program supports jobs in conservation and habitat restoration.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on the Proposed Pesticide Use Information Framework Opens

Health Canada launched a consultation on September 23, 2026, seeking feedback on the Proposed pesticide use information framework, Regulatory Proposal PRO2026-04, to inform the collection and management of pesticide use data.

Sources: Consultation on the Proposed pesticide use information framework: Towards a strategic approach, Regulatory Proposal PRO2026-04 - Canada.ca

Health Canada Announces Consultation on Residential Plumbing Pathogens and Water Quality

Health Canada initiated a consultation on September 26, 2026, focused on guidance for premise plumbing pathogens and water quality in residential settings, open for public comments until November 27, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Plant Forward showcases sustainable food innovation: An event feature on food technology and novel product development.

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