QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
Food Security
December 10, 2025
My question is for the Government Representative.
Senator Moreau, we are living in different times. The cost of food is increasing, and food insecurity is a growing concern. According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2026, compared to five years ago, food prices have increased 27%, with nearly 85% of Canadians reporting their household food expenses have increased in the last 12 months.
Agriculture has taken a back seat in policy development, and fewer Canadians understand where and how their food is produced. Food needs to be a priority and a foundation for our growth as a country. Yet, your government continues passing legislation to cut funding or add policies that are negatively affecting agriculture and causing unforeseen consequences.
When will your government start to integrate a food lens perspective when developing policies across all departments to protect agriculture?
It’s important to underline, no matter what the Conservatives think, that food inflation is tied to global supply chains, climate-driven shocks and currency pressures.
Budget 2025 invests directly in Canadian food resilience, more processing capacity here at home, a stronger supply chain and support for producers facing volatile input costs.
Having said that, this government is acutely aware of the affordability issues that Canadians face, and that is why the government ensured that reducing costs for Canadians is at the core of every decision this government makes, and that includes decisions related to the agricultural sector.
Senator Moreau, as you have heard me say before, food security is national security.
When our farmers, producers and ranchers incur additional fees because they lack support from our government, these costs are passed down to consumers at the grocery store, increasing food expenditures and making it difficult for Canadians to feed their families. Making food essential must be a core element within policy and in everything we do.
When will your government give the agriculture sector a seat at the decision-making table instead of ignoring how legislation and policy are affecting food security and food sovereignty?
The government certainly agrees with you, senator, that the agricultural sector is of vital importance to Canada. I, myself, am from the agricultural sector. I was born and raised on a dairy farm. This is why the government has invested heavily in Budget 2025 to ensure that the sector has the support it needs during this uncertain time.
I don’t have time to list all the investments, but I’m sure that you are already well aware of them. However, I will assure you that the government will continue to work with the agricultural sector.
