News for Rural Communities

1. Minister Bibeau announces reappointment to the Canadian Dairy Commission

   Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the reappointment of Serge Riendeau as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) for a one year-term, effective May 14, 2021.

2. Biography - Serge Riendeau

   Serge Riendeau has over 40 years of experience in the Canadian dairy industry. He has been the co-owner of Riendeau et Gendron Inc., a 1000 acre farm with about 500 dairy cattle, since 1976.

3. Government of Canada announces support for Prince Edward Island hog producers

   Hog producers in Prince Edward Island (PEI) have been impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks and disease control measures at processing plants, and many producers are being forced to keep hogs on-farm beyond their standard lifecycle. This has resulted in extraordinary feed and maintenance costs which have put a financial strain on their operations.

4. Governments of Canada and Northwest Territories invest to bring high-speed Internet to 152 homes in the North Slave region

   The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on our connections. Now more than ever, Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet as many of us are working, learning, and staying in touch with friends and family from home.

5. Statement from Minister Champagne regarding the CRTC Wireless Framework decision

   The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:

6. The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are providing financial assistance to livestock producers affected by the slowdown of slaughterhouses

   The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, announced the creation of the Canada-Quebec Livestock Assistance Initiative, $21.8 million in financial assistance intended to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 in 2020-2021.

7. Government of Canada investment in two initiatives helping the fish and seafood sector in Prince Edward Island remain strong

   The workforce of Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector is an economic driver in coastal and rural communities, and is vital to the national food supply chain. The sector faced immense challenges due to COVID-19, and the Government of Canada worked quickly to ensure it had the support it needed during this unprecedented time.

8. Minister Vandal to announce support for high-speed Internet in the Northwest Territories

   The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, along with Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, will announce federal investments to improve high-speed Internet access in the Northwest Territories.

9. The Sunset Community expands facility and employment services

   Additional space will enable Pugwash social enterprise to create more vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities

10. Media advisory - Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Members of the media are invited to an important virtual announcement regarding important infrastructure upgrades with Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

11. Compensation Programs for Chicken, Turkey and Egg Producers

    The Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program and Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken are delivering on the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide full and fair compensation to supply-managed sectors for market access concessions made under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

12. Close to $29M to provide high-speed Internet access to 2,632 households in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region by September 2022

    Thanks to a joint investment of $28.9M made as part of Canada–Quebec Operation High Speed, 2,632 households in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region will have access to Bell high-speed Internet services by September 2022.

13. Minister Bibeau announces new programs that deliver full and fair compensation for chicken, turkey and egg farmers

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced details of two new programs designed to help drive innovation and market development for Canada’s 4,800 chicken, turkey and egg farmers

14. $22.7M to provide high-speed Internet access to close to 3,000 households in the Memphrémagog RCM by September 2022

    Thanks to a joint investment of $22.7M made as part of Canada–Quebec Operation High Speed, close to 3,000 households in the Memphremagog region will have access to Cogeco high-speed Internet services by September 2022. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton—Stanstead;

15. Minister Bibeau to announce details of new programs to support poultry and egg farmers

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will announce details of two new programs that deliver full and fair compensation for Canada's chicken, turkey, and egg farmers.

16. Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia invest $733,000 in accessible sports infrastructure that will benefit all Cape Breton residents

    Today, Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, the Honourable Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Her Worship Amanda McDougall, Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, announced funding for Phase I of the redevelopment of Hawks Dream Field, in Dominion, into a fully accessible recreation space.

17. Backgrounder: Canada and Ontario invest in improved recreation infrastructure in Peterborough City and County

    Joint federal, provincial, and recipient funding through the Investing in Canada plan will support four community and recreational infrastructure projects in Peterborough County.

18. Government of Canada investing over $6 million to help improve safety of agri-food workers in southwestern Ontario

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian food producers and processors have stepped up to deliver quality food for Canadians and people around the world. From the outset, the Government of Canada has helped food processors invest in safety measures and maintain their capacity to keep up with demand.

19. UPDATE - Media Advisory - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

    Members of the media are invited to attend an important sports infrastructure announcement with Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, on behalf of the Honourable Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Honourable Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Her Worship Amanda McDougall, Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

20. Registration closed and payments finalizing for second round of dairy compensation

    Dairy farmers provide Canadians with a stable supply of high-quality products, and are an essential part of the country’s rural landscape. Supporting them as they adapt to new market realities and consumer demands is vital to ensuring the sector remains well positioned for future growth.

21. Government of Canada invests to bring high-speed Internet to 144 more households in Lemonville and Locust Hill

    The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on our connections. Now more than ever, Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet as many of us are working, learning, and staying in touch with friends and family from home.

22. Government of Canada supports Alberta agri-food sector with investment in BioNeutra

    The agriculture and agri-foods sectors support quality jobs for Canadians and are of vital importance to the Canadian economy. That is why today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, announced more than $2.94 million to help Alberta-based BioNeutra to double its manufacturing capacity and better compete in global markets.

23. Database: Emergency Processing Fund projects in Ontario

    The Emergency Processing Fund (EPF) provides funding to help companies implement changes to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 7, 2021, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada highlighted over $12 million in funding through the program to improve worker safety and increase capacity of Ontario meat processing.

24. Government of Canada investing over $12 million to improve worker safety and increase capacity of Ontario meat processing

    The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to Canada’s food system, while demonstrating the need for more diversified food processing capacity. As a result, Canadian livestock producers and meat processors have taken on unexpected and exceptional activities to manage health and safety during the pandemic. The Government of Canada is helping meat processors invest in safety measures to protect their workers and in facility improvements that strengthen Canada’s food supply.

25. Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis to highlight support to meat processors in Ontario

    Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, will virtually highlight support to meat processing companies across Ontario, to help in their efforts to keep employees safe and our food system strong.

26. Residents of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation benefiting from improved road infrastructure

    Today, René Arsenault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska—Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, along with Patricia Bernard, Chief of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, celebrated the completion of the upgrades to community road St. Basile No. 10.

27. Government of Canada investment helping Lower L’Ardoise and Louisbourg fish and seafood processors remain strong

    COVID-19 protective equipment, increased storage capacity and equipment upgrades help rural businesses remain viable and safe

28. Government of Canada invests to bring high-speed Internet to 1,550 more homes in southeastern Ontario

    The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on our connections. Now more than ever, Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet as many of us are working, learning, and staying in touch with friends and family from home.

29. Minister Monsef to announce high-speed Internet investments in southeastern Ontario

    The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, will announce a federal investment to improve high-speed Internet access in southeastern Ontario. A media availability will follow the announcement.

30. BC Bus North service continues with joint Federal and Provincial support

    A one-year extension to the BC Bus North service was announced today, meaning people who live and work in northern British Columbia can continue to rely on inter-city bus service. This service has become a crucial lifeline in the region as other transportation options have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

31. Government of Canada investment helping the fish and seafood sector in two Cape Breton communities remain strong

    Government of Canada investment helping the fish and seafood sector in two Cape Breton communities remain strong

32. Government of Canada announces first federal fund dedicated to rural transit solutions

    Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Rural Economic Development, announced $250 million over five years to help address the transit needs of Canadians living in rural, remote and small communities. The Government of Canada is committed to working with these communities to develop rural transit solutions, and to providing the funding to make those solutions a reality.

33. Minister Bibeau highlights $12.8 million to improve worker safety and strengthen the food supply chain in Quebec

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, highlighted support of up to $12.8 million through the Emergency Processing Fund for 135 food processing companies in Quebec.

34. Database: Emergency Processing Fund projects in Quebec

    As of March 25, 2021, 135 food processing companies in Quebec are receiving up to $12.8 million in funding through the program to help improve worker safety.

35. Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture agree to implement a key improvement to the AgriStability program to better support farmers

    During today’s virtual meeting of Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture, Ministers agreed to remove the reference margin limit for AgriStability, one of the business risk management (BRM) programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

36. Government of Canada welcomes the Auditor General’s report on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit

    The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, and the Minister of National Revenue, Diane Lebouthillier, today issued the following statement in response to the Auditor General’s report on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):

37. Government of Canada investment helping the fish and seafood sector in Dartmouth remain strong

    COVID-19 safety equipment and production expansion help companies through the pandemic

38. Ministers respond to the reports of the Auditor General of Canada

    The Government of Canada will respond to the first reports related to COVID‑19 and the report on Investing in Canada Plan from the Auditor General of Canada.

39. Government of Canada investment helping Bedford’s fish and seafood sector weather pandemic challenges

    COVID-19 safety, increased storage and automated equipment help the industry stay productive

40. Backgrounder: Government of Canada supporting youth employment in Eastern Townships agriculture sector

    In May 2020, the Government of Canada enhanced the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) with an investment of up to $9.2 million to assist employers in hiring Canadian youth for jobs in the agriculture sector. Since then, nearly 1,000 jobs were created in 2020 across Canada, including 34 jobs for young people in the Eastern Township region, in Quebec.

41. Government of Canada supporting youth employment in the Eastern Townships agriculture sector

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau along with the Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Lyne Bessette, highlighted an investment of over $324,000 to hire 34 youth to work on farm businesses in the Eastern Townships, Quebec, through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP).

42. Communities in Quebec receive support for stronger asset management practices

    That’s why the Government of Canada is investing over $173,000 in four new projects in Quebec communities through the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on behalf of the federal government. The program aims to strengthen local infrastructure planning and decision-making by increasing local asset management capacity through investments in activities such as asset management training, technology and software enhancements and information sharing.

43. Minister Bibeau to announce investments to manage on-farm plastic waste and grow the bioeconomy

    Minister Bibeau to highlight federal investments in support of bioplastics innovations in the Canadian agricultural sector.

44. Agricultural Climate Solutions

    Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) is a $185 million, 10-year program that will help develop and implement farming practices to tackle climate change. Through agricultural practices such as shelterbelts or cover crops, farmland can trap and store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases.

45. Accelerating the adoption of climate-smart best practices in agriculture

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of $185 million over the next 10 years for the new Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program.

46. Governments Investing in Agriculture Research at Vineland

    Canada and Ontario are supporting research projects to increase capacity and productivity in the horticultural sector through a more than $330,000 investment in in the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC).

47. Building on aquaculture success

    Upgrades to Nova Scotia fish farm will increase production, create jobs in Indigenous community

48. Support to workers and families increases with the passage of EI legislation and the coming into effect of recovery benefit regulations

    The Government of Canada continues to help and support Canadian families and workers struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Over the past year, this support has included the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, three recovery benefits and a more flexible and accessible Employment Insurance (EI) program.

49. Government of Canada to highlight investments to improve the safety of agri-food workers in Nova Scotia

    Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, Nova Scotia will highlight investments under the Emergency Processing Fund to improve the safety of agri-food workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

50. PS Hutchings Virtual Visit – Atlantic Provinces

    As part of her two-day virtual tour in the Maritimes region, Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, will meet with stakeholders in various local industries and organizations and make important funding announcements.