As Parliament resumes under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is urging the government to take swift and focused economic action to support the red meat sector. The CMC represents processors that supported nearly 200,000 jobs and over $9.4 billion in exports in 2024. The sector’s priorities include trade and market access, labour and immigration reform, regulatory efficiency, supply chain stability, and animal health preparedness.
According to Lauren Martin, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Counsel at the CMC, the sector is ready to help the government achieve its economic and trade objectives. Martin highlights the need for targeted action on labour, trade, and regulatory modernization to drive GDP growth, expand exports, and strengthen rural economies. The CMC is also calling for the government to support immigration and provide infrastructure such as housing, transit, and schools to accommodate new workers.
The sector is also looking to technology and modernization to improve efficiency and address labour shortages. Martin sees potential in regulatory modernization, such as aligning with EU standards and adopting AI for inspection. She believes that technology can help streamline routine tasks, improve inspection processes, and make better use of skilled workers.
Despite the challenges facing the sector, Martin is optimistic about the future. She emphasizes the importance of the government working with the sector consistently, particularly in times of crisis. The CMC is committed to advocating for the policies needed to support the sector and is urging producers and processors to continue sharing their concerns and needs.
As Canada prepares for a potential renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), some observers hope that a new deal between the U.S. and the U.K. could serve as a model. Dr. Jon Gerrard, former federal minister and past leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, believes that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is crucial and that Prime Minister Carney’s leadership has helped to build a relationship with the U.S. administration.
Gerrard expects months of negotiation to come and believes that Canada must continue to look beyond North America for trade opportunities. He is hopeful that Canada will still be able to market its products in the U.S. but emphasizes the need for diversification and security in global markets. The CMC is also planning to open a Canadian meat advocacy office in Beijing, which will serve as a tangible sign of the sector’s commitment to the Chinese market.
Overall, the Canadian Meat Council is calling for urgent action from the government to support the red meat sector and is committed to working with producers, processors, and the government to achieve its economic and trade objectives. With the right support, the sector is confident that it can continue to deliver jobs, innovation, and food security to Canadians and the world.