However, the Trudeau government has been vocal in its criticism of the country's salmon farming industry and is trying to phase out traditional open net pen farming in British Columbia. © BCSFA
“With the war in Ukraine, ongoing challenges from Covid, global supply chain problems and environmental shocks from climate change, Canadians and citizens around the world are facing higher food costs and food shortages. These shortages will disproportionately affect the poor. It is time for Canada to intensify food production to sustainably and affordably feed Canadians and the world,” stated the letter, which was signed by Timothy Kennedy, president and CEO of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.
“The current situation calls for a major renewed policy focus on optimising Canada’s food production and Canadian food producers and suppliers are calling on the Prime Minster and Cabinet to take critical, immediate action,” nthe letter adds.
The letter asks the government to make food security a top priority, and ensure there are no regulatory or political obstacles to maintaining current levels of food production, and where possible increasing food production of all types.
The letter urges the government to undertaken two immediate actions:
- Make secure food production and supply a top consideration in policy and funding decisions, prioritsing food security and productivity in the policy and decision-making process.
- Focus on an agile, modern regulatory environment that supports production growth, in line with the 2019 Agri-Food and Aquaculture Roadmap, which highlighted why predictable and efficient regulations are needed to reduce barriers to investment, innovation and growth.
