Honourable colleagues, I rise today as we near the end of 2020 to once again highlight the importance of Canadian agriculture and our agri-food industry. In a year where almost nothing was certain, farmers, producers and processors across this country worked tirelessly to keep Canadian families fed without fear of shortages.

From those raising cattle in Alberta to those growing potatoes in P.E.I., and everywhere in between, the agricultural sector stepped up. In return, Canadians have recognized the importance of our domestic food supply. In fact, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, also known as CCFI, determined that confidence in Canada’s food system is at an all-time high through their 2020 Public Trust Research opinion survey. CCFI also found that 47% of Canadians, a five-year high, feel our food system is headed in the right direction. More specifically, nine in ten Canadians trust that the food system will ensure the availability of healthy food for Canadians.

Through their survey, CCFI found that the cost of food remains the issue Canadians are most concerned about. Last week, the eleventh annual edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, compiled by the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University, forecasted an overall food price increase of 3% to 5% for 2021 — the highest that Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and his team have ever expected.

The border and facility closures, shifting consumer demand, unemployment, as well as modifications in production, manufacturing and distribution that came with the COVID-19 pandemic will have widespread impacts on many aspects of our daily lives, including at the grocery store. As a result, it is anticipated that the average Canadian family will pay up to an extra $695 for food next year.

While we will all need to adjust our budgets in the kitchen next year, we can be confident that our food system will remain strong and steady. Canada has one of the safest food systems in the world, and over the past 10 months it has shown just how resilient it is. Although the impacts of the pandemic and the uncertainty that accompanies it will continue into 2021, Canadians can be sure that farmers are ready to keep our fridges full.

I’d like to take this opportunity on your behalf to thank the agricultural industry for their hard work this past year. It is greatly appreciated by all Canadians and many others around the world. I would also like to wish everyone in the chamber and everyone tuning in from their home offices a safe and happy holiday season. I am looking forward to 2021, as well as the challenges and opportunities it will bring. Thank you. Meegwetch.