OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2016. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay is in Saskatchewan this week to discuss key issues facing the agriculture sector. He will be joined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Kate Young, for a roundtable with grain stakeholders.

The roundtable complements earlier discussions the Minister had with stakeholders in Winnipeg, as well as the many roundtables held by the Minister of Transport over the past number of months. This session will focus on recommendations and input from grain stakeholders will be used to inform how the transportation system can be strengthened for the long term.

During his trip, Minister MacAulay will meet with Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart to discuss issues of mutual importance He will also visit the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to supporting innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. Discussions will also be held with a number of agricultural stakeholders in the area.

Quick facts

  • Agriculture is a shared jurisdiction. FPT governments work closely in the development and the delivery of programs across the country.
  • Canadian farm incomes continue to hit new records with net cash income expected to close out 2015 at a record \\\$15 billion and remain strong in 2016.
  • In 2015, the total value of Canadian agricultural exports reached an all-time high exceeding \\\$60 billion.
  • The agriculture and agri-food sector represents close to seven per cent of Canada’s GDP.

Quotes

"I look forward to the opportunity to meet with farmers, grain growers and other key stakeholders and hear their views on the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector. Their input on issues such as innovation in farming and strengthening the grain transportation system will help ensure our hard-working farmers can continue to feed families, help grow the middle class and contribute to the growth of Canada’s economy."

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food