Heath MacDonald, left, is sworn in as federal agriculture minister at Rideau Hall in Ottawa May 13. Photo: Reuters

Carney’s mandate letter makes no mention of agriculture or food

Some industry members see opportunity in a drive for economic growth; others wish the government would make specific commitments

Reading Time: 3 minutes Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent mandate letter made no mention of agriculture or food, instead focusing on economic issues and Canadian sovereignty. Some in the Canadian agriculture industry see potential for action while others wish for explicit commitments.

Foothills MP John Barlow is returning as shadow minister of agriculture. Photo: Greg Price

Barlow to return as shadow agriculture minister

Jacques Gourde to replace Steinley as associate minister

Reading Time: < 1 minute Foothills MP John Barlow will return to the role of shadow minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food. Lévis—Lotbinière MP Jacques Gourde will take over as associate shadow minister.



Health MacDonald in as agriculture minister

Heath MacDonald in as agriculture minister

Previous minister Blois out despite popularity among agriculture groups

Reading Time: < 1 minute Heath MacDonald was sworn in as minister of agriculture and agri-food as Prime Minister Mark Carney chose his cabinet on May 13.






Prime Minister Mark Carney in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken

Carney cancels capital gains hike

Tax plan drew criticism from Canadian farmers, agriculture groups

Reading Time: < 1 minute Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday that a proposed hike of the capital gains inclusion rate, controversial among Canadian farmers, had been cancelled.



Diseases like African swine fever have increased the need for biosecurity preparedness in Canada. PHOTO: CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL

Pork producers slated for $567M in case of African swine fever

African swine fever hasn’t been found in Canada or the U.S. yet; Canadian government says funds will support hog farmers if a case causes markets to close

Reading Time: 2 minutes African swine fever hasn't been found in Canada or the U.S. yet. The Canadian government says funds will support hog farmers if a case causes markets to close.