National Local Food Day Bill

Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to the second reading of Bill S-281, an Act to establish National Local Food Day.

I would like to begin by acknowledging Senator Cormier for sponsoring this bill in the Senate. Thanks to Member of Parliament Wayne Stetski for proposing it.

As a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry for the past six years, I strongly support the initiative of promoting Canadian agriculture and the Canadian agri-food sector. During our most recent fact-finding mission in southern Ontario, we had the pleasure of visiting several local farms and research centres. As some honourable senators may know, I was quite proud to have made my first livestock friend at a University of Guelph Dairy Research Facility in Elora. This mission was a great reminder that these farms fit our families and are vital to local economies. Whether we speak of Maritime potatoes; strawberries and peaches grown in southern Ontario; Quebec’s maple syrup; wheat and soybeans from the Prairies; or B.C. blueberries and grapes, local farms are the backbone of communities from coast to coast.

Local farmers not only grow fruits, vegetables and raise livestock, they sustain the country’s food industry, which employs 2.3 million Canadians. This is precisely why supporting our local farmers and agriculture producers is so very important. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian agriculture and the agri-food sector contributed roughly $114 billion to the national economies in 2017, representing nearly 7 per cent of total GDP.

Unfortunately, this sector is facing serious challenges. In Ontario, the average age of a farmer is over 55 years old. The reality is that many operations lack a succession plan. During our Agriculture Committee travel and consultations, we repeatedly heard concerns of labour shortages and lack of processing facilities.

Furthermore, Canadian farms are now facing greater financial stress, as the Liberal carbon tax will increase the cost of crop production on this already-fragile industry.

The reality is these challenges compound ever-present financial pressures faced by farmers in our communities. Retaining our farming industry is essential to maintaining our national food sovereignty. Part of preamble of this bill states:

. . . Canada’s national sovereignty is dependent on the safety and security of our food supply;

It is important to note that, as Bill C-281 is being debated here in the Senate, farmers right across the country are grappling with the implication of international trade deals, international political disputes and government policy changes. Concessions made by the current Canadian government in the USMCA deal allow foreign producers greater access to our local markets. This means Canadian producers will face additional competition right here at home.

Honourable colleagues, many of you may still remember the challenge we faced in 2003 when borders were shut down to Canadian beef. Does anyone remember how Canadians responded? We countered by inviting all Canadians to barbecue on Saturday of the August long weekend in solidarity with our producers. This outreach developed into Food Day Canada. It was a national commemoration of local food across the country.

As noted by Senator Black, Food Day Canada is widely recognized across the country. With 2019 marking the sixteenth annual celebration, there is no doubt that commemorative days help bring awareness to important issues. They provide yearly forums for discussions, and allow schools, businesses and governments alike to engage on important issues.

However, as critic of this bill, I find it necessary to address what is being omitted.

While I applaud the efforts of promoting the importance of local farmers and food production, I believe that having a second day on the calendar dedicated to food awareness isn’t doing enough. Rather, I believe that we should focus our efforts on actions.

First, as news of the recent day reminded us, we have significant market access difficulties caused by the Liberal government’s mismanagement of global relationships. The canola crisis is the most recent example, as is market access problems in India. The sector needs leadership from this government.

The consequences of these lost export opportunities are being felt in farming homes and communities across the country. Beyond this immediate action, there is much more we need to do as a country to educate Canadians — but clearly our young people — about our agriculture sector. For example, we must be vocal in our appreciation for fresh local food. Something is far too often taken for granted. Learn to cook local and seasonal foods, and put Canada on the menu, as Anita Stewart, Food Laureate for the University of Guelph and founder of Food Day Canada, has said:

We must encourage our families and friends to eat and shop more locally grown and produced food. Pack our lunches with regional and seasonal foods. Teach our children the value of fresh food, and remind them that fruits and vegetables don’t magically appear at the grocery store. Promote community balance and involve our young people in them, thus planting a seed of interest in farming in our younger generation.

To support them, governments must help relieve the high levels of capital expenditure required for young people, inspiring them to start farms. Measures must also be considered to address challenges faced by immigrant farmers.

I remember meeting a group of immigrants who had successful first careers with diverse professional backgrounds but decided to embrace agriculture as their second career here in Canada. These second career farmers had an average of three to four years’ experience in agriculture and were based mostly in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and B.C. In just four years, their numbers increased by five times. They had a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, honey, pulses, grains, greenhouse produce, seeds, farm equipment sales and service, crop and feed supplements and more. These new farmers were young, eager and equipped with social tools and business knowledge. They were a prime example of initiative and success in a struggling field. They deserve our attention and support.

I believe that actions speak louder than words. In the case of Canadian farmers, we must do more than to declare another national food day to ensure their survival and prosperity. They are struggling. This has a direct effect on all of us.

I understand the intent of this bill is to strengthen the relationship between Canadian agriculture producers and Canadian consumers. However, the bill ought to do more. It should not only raise awareness about the contributions of Canadian food producers to our economy and health, but also provide us with opportunities to support local farmers who do the difficult and under-appreciated work of growing the food we put on our dinner table and feed our families. Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you, senator, for the question. I totally agree with what you say. You and I can sit down together and iron it out. Thank you.

Are senators ready for the question?

Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to and bill read second time.)