We are Canada's Farmers
Farmers need improved access to capital, stronger risk management programs, and reliable labour solutions to address critical shortages. A long-term plan is also needed to prevent labour disruptions that harm Canadian exports and our reputation as a reliable supplier of goods.
Resiliency
Permanently Increase the Advance Payments Program
Permanently increase the Advance Payments Program to $350,000 with predictable funding and streamlined administration requirements to keep costs down for farmers.
Ensure Risk Management Programs Remain Focused on Increasing Farm Risks
Ensure risk management programs remain separate from Canada’s sustainability objectives by, for example, removing the environmental risk assessment requirement for AgriInvest. At a time of increased risk for farmers, BRM programs must be inclusive of all agricultural commodities and emphasize accessibility and focus solely on delivering effective risk management support.
Launch New Disaster Relief Pilot and Enhance AgriStability
Take steps to fill a critical gap in Canada’s suite of business risk management programs by immediately piloting a new disaster relief program and making further amendments to AgriStability that increase responsiveness, equity and the level of support available to all agricultural commodities including sectors that are currently not eligible for some risk management programs such as the cattle sector, equines, horticulture and aquaculture.
Create a Federal Disaster Insurance Backstop
In addition, to supplement government risk management programs and keep private insurers at the table, establish a new federal program that is inclusive of all agricultural commodities where the Government of Canada guarantees the payment of claims above a certain level during disaster-related events as a measure to encourage private insurance companies to continue offering insurance products to agriculture industries.
Maintain Agriculture Streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Support Pathways to Permanent Residency
Ensuring the agriculture streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are maintained to support farmers’ seasonal and temporary needs, while at the same time supporting pathways to permanent residency for experienced temporary foreign workers by making the Agri-Food Pilot permanent and inclusive of all agriculture sectors to help meet the industries’ year-round labour needs.
Address the Veterinary Shortage
Address the critical shortage in veterinarians in both food animal and regulatory medicine required to ensure and maintain the high standards of animal welfare upheld by Canadian farmers in livestock and poultry by investing in the expansion and enhancement of the Canadian colleges of veterinary medicine to support the recruitment and accreditation of foreign-trained veterinarians.
Launch Consultations to Prevent Labour Disruptions
Immediately launch consultations with industry representatives and implicated stakeholders to explore options to address the root causes of labour disruptions and prevent the increasing frequency and severity of labour disruptions that are destabilizing the Canadian economy and undermining Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.