Business & Industry

1. Canada joins international sustainable agriculture production and food systems coalition

   Canadian farmers and producers are key drivers for advancing innovation and sustainability for our country’s agricultural and agri-food sector. As part of the Government of Canada’s approach to working in collaboration with international partners to mitigate the risks of climate change and create conditions for industry to remain competitive globally, Canada has joined the Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation coalition (SPG).

2. Minister Bibeau named co-chair of international meeting of agricultural ministers

   The Government of Canada understands the importance of creating a sustainable agriculture sector that benefits all Canadians and our economy, which means looking ahead to the future to find new opportunities for innovation and growth.

3. Competition Bureau preserves competition in sale of crop inputs in Lipton, Saskatchewan

   The Competition Bureau has approved ProSoils Inc. as the buyer of Blair’s Family of Companies’ retail crop input facility in Lipton, Saskatchewan. This transaction closed on January 28, 2022. In July 2021, the Bureau, Blair’s and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) reached an agreement that required the companies to sell the Blair’s Lipton facility, as well as two nearby anhydrous ammonia facilities, to resolve competition issues related to their proposed joint venture.

4. CanNor announces successful applicants for Phase 1 of the Northern Food Innovation Challenge 

   CanNor has selected nine applicants to move forward and develop innovative strategies to improve food security in the territories

5. Northern Food Innovation Challenge projects announced

   The Northern Food Innovation Challenge (NFIC) is an innovative new approach to addressing socio-economic challenges in the North and Arctic, undertaken as part of CanNor’s Northern Isolated Communities Initiative (NICI) program. The objective of the Challenge is to support innovative, community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems to help improve food security in Canada's territories.

6. Government of Canada delivers on commitment to reduce cell phone wireless plans by 25%

   Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that the government has met its target three months ahead of schedule. Prices for all tracked mid-range plans have decreased by 25% compared to the benchmark prices collected in early 2020, according to the newly published data for the latest quarter of wireless pricing, which cover the period from October to December 2021.

7. Minister Bibeau and Minister MacAulay meet with United States Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack

   Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, met with the United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington, where Secretary Vilsack provided clear direction to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to proceed expeditiously with the risk analysis of exporting PEI table stock potatoes to Puerto Rico and the continental U.S.

8. Canada announces strengthening of trade relations with Ukraine

   Today, on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Ukraine, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, joined by Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, and Yvan Baker, Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, met with Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, where they committed to further strengthening bilateral relations through trade.

9. CRTC investigation targets Dark Web marketplace vendors and administrator

   The CRTC’s Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer today announced penalties totalling $300,000 to four Canadians for their involvement in the Dark Web marketplace Canadian HeadQuarters (also known as CanadianHQ). The marketplace was taken offline following the execution of warrants by CRTC staff.

10. Statement from the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau  Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Bell Let’s Talk Day

    The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, released the following statement to mark Bell Let’s Talk Day:“Producers across Canada work tirelessly so we and our families can have food on our tables. Despite the long hours, the labour shortages and the weather extremes, they take on the challenge of uncertainty each and every day."

11. Be on the lookout for greenwashing

    You want to shop green, but it’s not easy! As more Canadians demand products and services with a reduced environmental impact, some companies have responded with an increased supply of “green” products. But not every product is as “green” as it looks.

12. Stéphane Lauzon announces just under $875,000 in Government of Canada support for Centre de géomatique du Québec

    Saguenay organization will be able to strengthen its capacity for innovation and technology transfer in support of businesses and organizations across Quebec’s regions.

13. Supporting market expansion for PEI potatoes

    The potato sector in PEI is a significant economic driver for the province, providing good jobs in rural and urban communities. Ensuring access to innovative quality control and safety measures is essential to helping potato producers compete in global markets.

14. Invitation to media – Stéphane Lauzon to announce Government of Canada support for Saguenay’s Centre de géomatique du Québec

    Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil‒La Petite-Nation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development, will announce Government of Canada financial assistance to support the growth of the Centre de géomatique du Québec, an organization that helps businesses and organizations with their research and development activities in geomatics.

15. Minister Ng discusses WTO reform at WTO ministerial meeting

    A rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, is essential to ensuring that the ongoing global response to the pandemic is coordinated and equitable and that the shared global economic recovery is strong, sustainable, and inclusive.

16. Government of Canada investment helping TaskforceNL tackle challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador

    Initiatives that support the health and safety of Canadians are helping to protect jobs, improve lives, and accelerate Atlantic Canada’s recovery. That is why the Government of Canada is helping TaskforceNL expand to continue finding solutions for challenges facing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

17. Green Economy New Brunswick to help local businesses transition to a lower-carbon future

    Federal and provincial support will help SMEs measure and reduce environmental impacts and emissions

18. Food Waste Reduction Challenge semi-finalists for the Novel Technologies Streams

    The $20-million Food Waste Reduction Challenge was launched in November 2020 to accelerate and advance diverse and high-impact solutions to food waste in Canada. The Novel Technologies Streams focus on technological solutions to food waste to extend the life of perishable food, transform food waste and accelerate their advancement in the Canadian market.

19. Minister Bibeau announces Food Waste Reduction Challenge semi-finalists for the Novel Technologies Streams

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the 18 semi-finalists selected under the Novel Technologies Streams to find new solutions to food waste. Minister Bibeau met virtually with the semi-finalists and listened to their innovative food waste reduction solutions.

20. Minister Ng hosts first Ottawa Group meeting of 2022

    The rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, is essential to securing a strong, sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery.

21. Minister Petitpas Taylor to announce support for a St. John’s volunteer-led organization

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, will detail support for a local business-focused organization in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to help it grow into a dedicated organization focusing on mentorship, and business and immigration support.

22. Minister Bibeau announces Food Waste Reduction Challenge semi-finalists under Novel Technologies Streams

    The Honourable Marie Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will announce and virtually meet with semi-finalists under the Novel Technologies Streams of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge to find new solutions to food waste.

23. Minister Ng speaks with European Commission Executive Vice-President and European Union Commissioner for Trade 

    Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, met virtually with Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commission Executive Vice-President and European Union Commissioner for Trade.

24. Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest $5 Million in Livestock Research

    Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, joined Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit today in announcing a total of $5.1 million in funding for new research projects in 2022 related to livestock and forage.

25. Governments Increasing Veterinarian Capacity for Ontario Farms: $4 Million Investment to Help Farmers Access Veterinary Care

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $4 million dollars through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) to give farmers improved access to veterinary services when and where they need it.

26. Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Extension for Livestock Water Project Applications

    The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to announce an extension to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) deadline for livestock producers planning to access the previously-announced temporary enhanced FRWIP funding.

27. The Government of Canada invests in new testing equipment for manufacturers and innovators in Western Canada

    The Government of Canada is investing to ensure western Canadian manufacturers have the tools and resources they need to innovate and become more competitive. New digital equipment at the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba will help improve product design and performance opportunities for manufacturers while reducing product failure rates.

28. La Vague will propel Îles-de-la-Madeleine entrepreneurs forward better than ever

    CED grants a $227,665 financial contribution to the Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles-de-la-Madeleine

29. Government of Canada to announce  investment in the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation

    Government of Canada to announce investment in the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation

30. Government of Canada releases draft 2022-23 Prawn and Shrimp by Trap Integrated Fisheries Management Plan

    Proactive conservation measures are critical to sustain a healthy Pacific prawn population today, and to restore abundant stocks for future generations. Close collaboration between the Government of Canada and harvesters is key to getting this important work done.

31. Minister Ng speaks with South Korean Trade Minister Han-koo Yeo

    Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, spoke with her counterpart, South Korean Trade Minister Han-Koo Yeo.

32. CPL Interiors fined $761,967 after pleading guilty in GTA condo refurbishment bid-rigging scheme

    Construction company CPL Interiors Ltd. was fined $761,967 today after pleading guilty before the Ontario Superior Court for its role in a criminal bid-rigging conspiracy. The bid-rigging scheme victimized condominium corporations in the Greater Toronto Area.

33. Young Côte-Nord entrepreneurs developing range of non-alcoholic beers and Nordic fruit seltzers

    CED grants $134,900 in financial support to Baie-Comeau’s Microbrasserie Saint-Pancrace to acquire innovative equipment.

34. Invitation to media – Honourable Pascale St-Onge to announce Government of Canada support for Îles-de-la-Madeleine organization La Vague

    The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, will announce Government of Canada financial assistance to support the growth of La Vague, an accelerator and incubator for innovative Îles-de-la-Madeleine businesses.

35. Minister Ng meets with Canadian softwood lumber industry leaders

    Yesterday, as part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing engagement with the forestry sector, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, met with softwood lumber industry leaders to discuss trade issues relating to softwood lumber. Minister Ng outlined the Government of Canada’s views and the recent efforts it has made to ensure Canada’s forestry sector is well positioned for success.

36. Invitation to media – Honourable Pascale St-Onge to announce Government of Canada support for Baie-Comeau SME Microbrasserie Saint‑Pancrace

    The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, will announce Government of Canada financial assistance to support the growth of Microbrasserie Saint-Pancrace, an SME specializing in the development of craft beers representing the Côte-Nord region.

37. ACOA 2021: building a more resilient, innovative and inclusive Atlantic economy in a year of recovery

    Throughout 2021, ACOA remained focused on the Government of Canada’s commitment to fight COVID-19 and its economic impacts, providing targeted sector support to help the region recover and rebuild a more resilient, inclusive economy for all Atlantic Canadians.

38. Backgrounder: ACOA invests in COVID-19 relief, key sectors, communities, and building an inclusive economy in 2021

    In 2021, between January 1 and December 31, the Government of Canada, through ACOA invested more than $314 million in targeted support to help the region rebuild and recover from COVID-19, stimulate local economies, protect and create jobs, and grow an inclusive and resilient economy for all Atlantic Canadians.

39. Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan invest $9 million in crop research

    Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced a total of $9.1 million in funding today for new crop-related research projects in 2022.

40. Competition Bureau and Health Canada strengthen collaboration on key issues in the pharmaceutical industry

    Today, the Competition Bureau and Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) issued a joint notice to stakeholders highlighting the importance of their continued collaboration to support Canadians’ access to safe, effective and affordable medicines.

41. Icebreaking operations at Fisher Harbour, and Midland, Ontario

    Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents in the areas of Fisher Harbour and Midland that the CCGS Griffon will carry out icebreaking operations, starting on or about January 11, 2022, for Midland, and January 13, 2022, for Fisher Harbour. The purpose of this operation is to break ice so commercial vessels can navigate safely in and out of the areas.

42. Canadian Coast Guard begins annual icebreaking operations on the Great Lakes

    The Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) annual icebreaking season on the Great Lakes, which provides assistance to the shipping industry, is underway. Working in partnership with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) District 9, the CCG has two icebreakers assigned to the Great Lakes for the entire winter season: CCGS Griffon and CCGS Samuel Risley. These vessels are supported as required by additional CCG vessels after the St. Lawrence Seaway reopens in March 2022.

43. Readout: Minister Ng speaks with Taiwan’s Minister Deng

    Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, spoke with Taiwan Minister-without-Portfolio John Deng.

44. New Federal Ministerial Coordinating Committee on PEI Potatoes brings whole-of-government approach to help farmers affected by U.S. trade disruption

    The Government of Canada is committed to restoring market access for PEI fresh potatoes to the United States and supporting PEI farmers impacted by trade disruptions. To that end, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced the creation of the new Federal Ministerial Coordinating Committee on PEI Potatoes with the objective of enhancing coordination and collaboration across the federal government to respond to concerns and find solutions.

45. Competition Bureau advances investigation into NuvoCare’s weight loss claims

    The Competition Bureau has obtained a court order to advance an ongoing investigation into weight loss claims made by NuvoCare Health Sciences Inc. about certain natural health products. Those products include WeightOFF Max!, Forskolin+ and Forskolin Nx,

46. Helping sheep and goat farmers improve productivity and increase supply with a new genetic services system

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of $495,000 for the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI) to enable stakeholders to work together to increase innovation and resiliency in Canada’s sheep and goat industries.

47. Keurig Canada to pay $3 million penalty to settle Competition Bureau’s concerns over coffee pod recycling claims

    Keurig Canada Inc. reached an agreement with the Competition Bureau to resolve concerns over false or misleading environmental claims made to consumers about the recyclability of its single-use Keurig® K-Cup® pods.

48. Next phase of support for Alberta livestock producers

    In response to severe drought conditions, the Governments of Canada and Alberta worked together to rapidly deploy the Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative, which has already helped thousands of livestock producers cover their extraordinary costs.

49. Support for British Columbia farmers’ markets to grow, operate in emergencies

    Farmers’ markets in the province are receiving funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia to help cover the costs to expand local food and beverage sales, and operate during emergencies.

50. Minister Bibeau announces first woman as Chairperson to the Canadian Dairy Commission

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the appointment of the first woman, Jennifer Hayes, as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission for a four-year term, effective December 23, 2021.