CALGARY, May 26, 2017 /CNW/ - As a leading driver of jobs and trade, the agriculture and food sector is one of Canada's key growth industries. Budget 2017's targeted agri-food investments will help the sector build on its competitive strengths, allowing farmers to grow their businesses and create good, well-paying jobs for Canadians.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, was in Calgary this week to discuss challenges and opportunities for the agriculture sector.
Minister MacAulay held a roundtable with western grain industry stakeholders to discuss the Transportation Modernization Act legislation tabled by the Government on May 16, which includes measures to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, fair and efficient rail system in Canada.
Minister MacAulay met with beef processors and representatives of national and provincial cattle and beef associations. Discussions focused on market access and trade, relations with the United States, accessing and retaining labour in Canadian meat processing plants, and research and innovation.
Minister MacAulay also spoke with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier about agricultural priorities in the province.
During his meetings, Minister MacAulay highlighted the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, which received royal assent on 16 May 2017. CETA will create jobs, strengthen economic relations and boost Canada's trade with the world's second-largest market. It will improve market access for Canada's key agricultural product exports, such as meats, grains, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, and processed products.
Quote
"I thank the farmers and stakeholders in the grain and beef sectors here in Calgary for sharing their views with me on how to take advantage of growth opportunities in the agricultural sector. Together we will work to bolster the grain transportation and meat processing systems so that our farmers can continue to grow their businesses, meet growing global food demand sustainably, and strengthen the middle-class."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
- Canada's agriculture and food industry is a key driver of the Canadian economy and a high-performing sector in today's global marketplace, contributing over $100 billion annually to the GDP and employing one out of every eight Canadians.
- Western Canadian grain is a $20 billion industry.
- Canada's beef industry contributes $33 billion worth of sales of goods and services either directly or indirectly to the economy.
Additional links
- Growing Forward 2
- Transportation 2030
- News Release: Transportation Modernization Act
- News Release: Crop Logistics Working Group
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972
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