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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, Bill S-230: National Soil Health Strategy: Scheduled for February 26 at 8:00 a.m. in Room B45, the Senate Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-230. Witnesses include Kenneth Bear (Professional Agrologist), and representatives from Farmers for Climate Solutions and Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
• Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, Bill S-230: Soil Health Protection Hearings: On February 24 at 7:30 p.m., Fertilizer Canada’s Catherine King and Frank Annau will appear before the committee to discuss soil health protection under Bill S-230.
• Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources: COSEWIC Status Hearing: The committee will meet February 26 at 8:00 a.m. to hear testimony from David S. Lee, Chair of COSEWIC, regarding endangered wildlife in Canada.
• House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee: Science in Canadian Agriculture and Closure of Research Centres: Meeting February 24, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Televised, witnesses include Serge Buy (Agri-Food Innovation Council), Sophie Martel (Center for Excellence in Organic Farming), Lori Oatway (Western Crop Innovations), and university Deans.
• House of Commons Finance Committee: Bill C-15 Budget Implementation Clause-by-Clause: On February 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-15 with witnesses from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and several federal departments.
• House of Commons International Trade Committee: Canada’s Rules-Based Trade Engagement: Meeting February 24, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (in camera), the International Trade Committee will finalize a report on Canada’s engagement in the international trade and investment system.
• House of Commons Environment and Sustainable Development Committee: 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Scheduled for February 24, 3:30–5:30 p.m. (in camera), the committee will review the effectiveness and potential improvements to Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

Federal Government News

Balance Sheet of the Agricultural Sector, December 31, 2024 (revised)

Statistics Canada has released revised data showing Canada's farm sector equity at $833.4 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $39.3 billion (5.0%) from the previous year. The pace of equity growth decelerated for the first time in five years, as total liabilities expanded by 14.5%, outpacing the 6.4% rise in assets. Saskatchewan and Alberta combined contributed more than two-thirds of the national increase, with Saskatchewan's farm equity rising by 10% and Alberta's by 5.7%.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Fruit and Vegetable Production, 2025

Statistics Canada data show fruit and vegetable farm-gate value reached a record $3.4 billion in 2025, marking an 11.3% year-over-year jump. Fruit sales increased 16.8% to $1.6 billion, primarily due to higher prices (+18.1%), while production remained nearly unchanged. Vegetable sales rose 7.1% to $1.8 billion, with production up 8.0% and average prices showing little change.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

PEI Federation of Agriculture Reacts to $5 Billion Federal Pledge for Agriculture Investment

The Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture described the federal government’s $5 billion agriculture investment pledge as ‘a huge step’ for the sector. The investment is anticipated to support growth in production and processing, with implications for capital access and regional competitiveness across Eastern Canada.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Provincial Government News

Support for New Brunswick Agropur Cooperative and Agricultural Processors

Opportunities NB has committed up to $2.4 million in non-repayable contributions for Agropur Cooperative to modernize its Miramichi dairy facility, set to expand milk processing and create 10+ jobs.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Manitoba Delegation Participates in Team Canada Trade Mission to Mexico

Manitoba’s trade delegation is engaging in more than 100 business-to-business meetings in Mexico, focusing on agriculture and food as well as advanced manufacturing and technology.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Québec Poultry Farmers Request Regulation Amendment for Turkey Production and Quota Management

Québec Poultry Farmers have requested approval of amendments to turkey production regulations, including changes to the quota system and updated auction mechanisms.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Statement on Aquaculture Review Board Decision for Liverpool Bay Application

The Nova Scotia government announced the Aquaculture Review Board’s boundary amendment decision for Liverpool Bay, noting the licensing and consultation process for local operators.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Court Convicts Individual of Animal Welfare Offence

The Ontario Court of Justice convicted an individual under the PAWS Act for exposing an animal to undue distress, resulting in a $1,000 fine.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Proposed Directive for Managing Bacterial Ring Rot (BRR) in Seed Potatoes

CFIA is conducting an open consultation until February 24, 2026, seeking feedback on a new directive for managing Bacterial Ring Rot in seed potatoes.

Sources: inspection.canada.ca

Consultation on Cold Pressed Orange Oil Registration, PRD2026-01

Health Canada's PMRA opened consultation on approving cold pressed orange oil for pest control in greenhouse and field crops, with comment period ending February 25, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Isocycloseram and Associated Products, PRD2026-02

Health Canada is consulting on registration for isocycloseram-based pest control products, including EQUENTO RFC and others, accepting comments through February 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Horizontal Red Tape Reviews Launched Across Five Regulatory Areas

Treasury Board Secretariat is seeking input on five horizontal red tape reviews, focusing on regulatory efficiency, getting products to market, barriers to productivity, trade, and service delivery.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Gary Mar: Why Canada needs a new national agriculture strategy: Discussion regarding national policy coordination challenges.
• How Canada’s grain gets to market is a lesson for exporters: Overview of Canada’s logistics and supply chain management for grain exports.
• How a hydroponic lettuce farm in Mississippi Mills is growing the Canadian dream: Profile of a hydroponic farm’s impact on local produce supply.
• Canada & Saskatchewan reaffirm support for crop insurance as farmers face challenges: Crop insurance policy and joint support measures.
• P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture calls $5B pledge for agriculture investment 'a huge step': PEI ag sector reaction to federal investment pledge.
• Public Notice - QUÉBEC POULTRY FARMERS (Turkey): Regulatory amendment request affecting turkey production quotas.
• Statement on Aquaculture Review Board Decision on Liverpool Bay Application: Licensing and regulatory process for aquaculture expansion.
• Support for companies to increase competitiveness, grow and keep jobs in New Brunswick: Funding announcements for agricultural processors and food sector modernization.
• Ontario Court Convicts Individual of Animal Welfare Offence: Enforcement outcome under PAWS Act.
• Manitoba Delegation Joins Team Canada Trade Mission to Mexico: Manitoba’s focus on agriculture and food export relations in Mexico.

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