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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Minister of Finance Orders Safeguard Inquiry on Canned and Frozen Vegetable Imports

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, has directed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to begin a safeguard inquiry into global imports of canned and frozen vegetables following a formal request from the Canadian Association of Vegetable Growers and Processors. Over a 180-day period, the Tribunal will determine if imports are causing or threatening to cause serious injury to domestic producers, and will consider the effects on food affordability and household food security. The government prioritizes a balanced approach, prepared to act if remedies are recommended, and will continue to monitor import patterns. An urgent, separate request from the Canadian Wood Products Alliance for a safeguard inquiry into wood cabinets, flooring, and storage furniture is also under assessment. The statement points to additional government monitoring of evolving trade conditions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expanded Trade Access for Canadian Potatoes to Mexico

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has finalized a bilateral agreement with Mexico’s SENASICA enabling shipments of Canadian potatoes for consumption or processing to Mexico. The arrangement supports expanded market opportunities, complementing ongoing government efforts under the Canada-Mexico 2025–2028 Action Plan. The agreement follows trade visits in October 2025 and February 2026 and reinforces commitments to improve technical and regulatory cooperation. CFIA will provide guidance to packing facilities and growers on meeting Mexico’s import requirements, and will verify compliance through inspections. As the national plant protection authority, the CFIA will also work with international partners to mitigate risks of invasive pests and preserve market access.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Adjustments for Rural Canada

Employment and Social Development Canada has introduced targeted, temporary measures for rural employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, announced by Minister Patty Hajdu on March 13. In eligible rural regions, the allowable share of low-wage TFWs may rise from 10% to 15% per workplace, effective April 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027, upon request from provincial or territorial governments. Healthcare, construction, and food processing will retain a 20% cap; seasonal industries are exempt from the cap. Employers must continue efforts to hire Canadians and meet program requirements. The government will continue monitoring labour market trends and program use.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Funds Agriculture Labour Data

Employment and Social Development Canada allocated up to $94.5 million over five years for 14 projects under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to address sector-specific labour needs, including agriculture. The Canadian Agricultural HR Council (CAHRC) will implement "Harvesting Success: Workforce Development and Labour Market Solutions for Canadian Agriculture," providing current and forecasted labour market information (LMI) and HR tools on national and regional levels. These resources address workforce challenges and support training curricula and recruitment for small and medium farm operators. Recipients will deliver programs to develop occupational standards and recruitment strategies, with a goal to strengthen data-driven workforce planning, training, and sectoral resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry Advances Soil Health Bill

On March 10, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry reviewed Bill S-230’s provisions for soil health strategy, addressing consultation requirements via amendments introduced by Senator McNair for Senator McBean. The committee carried several key clauses and authorized the bill as amended, including notes on the consultation process. Technical officials from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided procedural guidance, and the committee moved in camera to review the draft agenda.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Probes Competition and Labour Issues in Food Security Study

The Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee, chaired by Mary Robinson, continued its food security study on March 12 with Competition Bureau Canada officials. Discussion covered the Bureau’s role in monitoring the food retail sector–noting market concentration and property controls affecting competition, referencing the ongoing Sobeys and Loblaws investigations. The Bureau updated senators on recent Competition Act amendments and oversight of deceptive marketing, with supplier-farmer relations also addressed. The second panel focused on workforce shortages in agriculture and the need for a National Food Security Strategy, with commentary on labour program design, local production, and tailored risk management. Topics included support for housing, permanent residency pathways, and economic instability's effect on producers.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Examines Food Inflation, Reports on Soil Health Amendments

During the Senate's March 12 sitting, food inflation and its connection to taxation were raised during Question Period. Senator Robinson tabled a report on amendments to soil health strategy in Bill S-230. Other discussions included debates on privacy in elections (Bill C-4), revisions to refugee and asylum processes under Bill C-12, and the social impacts of the criminal justice provisions in Bill C-14.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Record Domestic Canola Crushing for 2025

Statistics Canada reported Canadian oilseed processors crushed a record 11.6 million tonnes of canola in 2025, 1.6% above 2024’s output, extending a three-year streak of annual records. The surging domestic crush coincided with a record harvest, up 13.3% year-over-year, and reduced canola exports, which fell 12.5% over the same period. These dynamics are expected to inform farmgate decision-making, supply management, and export strategy for the coming year.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Revised Data Published for Potato Production and Aquaculture

Statistics Canada released revised 2024 and 2025 figures for potato production across Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Canada, providing updated reference for market participants and export calculations. Separately, revised 2024 aquaculture production and value data for Nova Scotia and Canada are now available, supporting ongoing analysis of regional production conditions and supply trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Labour Market Information Updates for Rural and Small Town Canada

Statistics Canada updated its interactive dashboard with new data on business counts and conditions in rural and small-town Canada. The December 2025 reference period and Q1 2026 metrics are accessible, delivering time-series insights into rural business operations, relevant for agri-food enterprises and policy monitoring at sub-national levels.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Farm Product Prices Available for January 2026

Statistics Canada has published provincial farmgate prices for January 2026 across grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. The data set serves as a resource for contract negotiations, benchmarking, and supply chain analysis.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Launches Livestock Veterinarian Recruitment Grant

The Government of Alberta, with support from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched a pilot grant program offering up to $10,000 in wage incentives for veterinary students in rural clinics, targeting shortages in livestock veterinary services through 2026.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Receives Proposed Quota Regulation Amendments from Egg Producers

The Federation of Egg Producers of Quebec submitted a request for regulatory amendments concerning quota allocations, family link definitions, and new restrictions on quota transfer options. The Régie is accepting written industry comments until April 14, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Water Amendment Act Modernizes Licensing and Reporting

Alberta’s Water Amendment Act took effect March 11, introducing measures to simplify licensing for businesses and farmers, enable water reuse, and set new public reporting standards for water use measurement.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Seafood Producers Advance Export Market Access at North America Expo

British Columbia supported 19 seafood businesses at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, aiming to expand global market reach and business partnerships. The province's annual seafood exports are valued at $1.3 billion.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consults on Etofenprox Premise Spray Registration

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency opened consultation on the proposed registration of Etofenprox Technical, RF2129 EC, and RF2220 Premium Aerosol II-M Premise Spray, seeking input on its use for control of arthropod pests by April 11, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Not just oil: Fertilizer prices spike amid Iran war, worrying Canadian farmers: Industry concerns follow recent fertilizer market price increases.
• Iran war expected to impact cost of farming operations, groceries: Producers consider effects of regional conflicts on operational expenses.
• Canada’s food supply chain vulnerable to external shocks, food inflation: Analysts discuss ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures.
• ‘Another blow’: Manitoba farmers facing increased fertilizer costs amidst war in Iran: Manitoba farmers react to fertilizer price increases driven by global events.
• WP Daily: Farm groups call on agriculture minister to pause federal research cuts: Advocacy groups request policy review regarding ag research funding.
• WP Daily: Port of Vancouver moves record wheat volume: The Port of Vancouver reports handling record wheat throughput.
• WP Daily: Realtor watches retired farmers' land decisions: Sector observers examine land transition trends among retiring producers.
• WP Daily: Canadian farmers intend to plant more canola, less wheat in 2026: Producers adjust crop planting intentions heading into the new season.

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