QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
Agricultural Research
February 26, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Moreau, on January 23, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the closure of three research and development centres and four satellite research farms. This includes the 119‑year-old research facility in Lacombe, Alberta. Since this announcement, many stakeholders have contacted my office to express their concerns that these closures will create unintended short-term and long-term consequences with far-reaching effects on our country. Like them, I’m concerned that your government is once again turning a blind eye to the significant role that research, development and innovation play in the success of our agricultural sector.
Canada is fortunate to have a robust agricultural sector, with a strong and reliable reputation both domestically and internationally. Research, development and innovation are critical to our country’s competitiveness. We should be strengthening these areas, not scaling them back.
Senator Moreau, I know your government is looking for cutbacks. Please tell us how you might make changes to ensure that imperative research is undertaken.
Thank you for your question, Senator Black, and for your restless interest in the agricultural sector. To the industry, which is listening, as well, let me be clear: Science and innovation will continue to be at the core of Canada’s agricultural success. Agriculture and Agri-food Canada will remain the largest agricultural research organization in the country, with a strong presence in every province.
The government has taken an approach where it will be streamlining operations and reducing overhead so that more dollars are directed to the science, innovation and supports that producers rely upon. This process is being approached carefully. Nothing is closing overnight, and the government will continue to work closely with communities, industry partners and employees, who will be retained, reassigned or relocated.
Thank you. “Restless” — I like that word.
Senator Moreau, to quote the Prime Minister, “A country that cannot feed itself, fuel itself, or defend itself has few options. . . .”
The closure of these research centres and satellite farms will have long-term consequences that could undermine our agriculture industry. When will your government realize the essential role that agriculture plays in our country’s prosperity and long-term stability and start to build the sector up instead of cutting it back? What will you do?
The government has maintained research capacity across the country, ensuring producers continue to benefit from strong, science-based supports.
Senator, protecting Canada’s food security and sovereignty is precisely why the government is focusing resources where they will have the greatest impacts on research and development, which is front-line research and innovation. By trending toward a more efficient and collaborative research system, Canada is positioning its agricultural sector to remain competitive, resilient and secure for the long term.
