News for Rural Communities

1. Government of Canada invests $8.5 million to help farmers in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador adopt sustainable practices 

   Canadian farmers are key partners in building a healthy environment and a more sustainable agricultural sector in Canada. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, along with Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, Kody Blois, announced an investment of up to $8.5 million under the On-Farm Climate Action Fund for Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. (Perennia). These funds will help farmers across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador adopt sustainable farming practices to build climate change resilience.

2. Minister Bibeau to announce investments supporting Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices

   The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, will be in Greenwich, Nova Scotia to highlight federal investments to help farmers across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador adopt sustainable farming practices.

3. FedNor investments support youth internships across Northern Ontario

   Increased opportunities for young people who are interested in developing entrepreneurial skills or gaining on-the-job work experience are critical to keeping youth in the region while building a strong, diverse, inclusive and innovative economy in Northern Ontario.

4. FedNor investing over $560,000 to create internship opportunities for Northern Ontario’s youth

   Providing opportunities for young graduates and connecting organizations and businesses with a skilled and enthusiastic workforce is precisely what the Government of Canada’s internship initiative is helping to accomplish in Northern Ontario.

5. Minister Bibeau Announces the Composition of the 2nd Cohort of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council

   Young Canadians are the future of the agriculture and agri-food sector, and it is important to give them a voice at the table. Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, unveiled the names of the members who will form the second cohort of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). The inaugural meeting of this new group of 25 young people will be held later this summer. The members of this cohort will serve 18-month terms.

6. Minister Bibeau to announce support for agri-food businesses and organizations in Northern Ontario

   The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will be in Sudbury on Friday, August 12, 2022, to announce funding support for agri-food business innovation and expansion in Northern Ontario.

7. Government of Canada expands market for fresh British Columbia cherries to South Korea

   The growth of Canada's cherry industry is a major success story, exporting high-quality products to markets all over the world, while contributing to the economic vitality of rural communitites. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau and the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, the Honourable Mary Ng, announced that the Government of Canada has gained market access to South Korea for British Columbia's high-quality fresh cherries.

8. Government of Canada invests in improving animal welfare

   The humane care and handling of farm animals, and the ability to track their movements, are an important part of the confidence consumers have in their food in Canada. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to nearly $3 million to three national organizations to enhance animal welfare and tracking in the country.

9. FedNor invests over $950,000 to grow and diversify the agri-food sector in Algoma region

   Strong food supply chains are necessary to meet the needs of Canadians everywhere.

10. Kensington and surrounding communities will benefit from investments in public spaces

    Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community spaces that promote social interaction, support health and well-being, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors. These spaces draw people together and into our neighbourhoods, to connect and rediscover all that our urban and rural communities have to offer.

11. MP Terry Sheehan to announce FedNor investment in food supply chain and agri-food businesses in Sault Ste. Marie area

    Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour, will announce FedNor support to help grow and diversify the agri-food sector and strengthen food supply chains in the Algoma district.

12. Government of Canada to announce support for community organizations in Kensington and surrounding areas  

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding support for community organizations.

13. Government of Canada invests $1.8 million in green economy

    The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced today an investment of over $1.8 million under the AgriAssurance Program to assist Bioindustrial Innovation Canada to further develop quality standards to accelerate growth of the bioeconomy in the agriculture sector.

14. Port Hawkesbury creating entrepreneurial opportunities with waterfront revitalization project 

    Fostering economic development, boosting tourism, and promoting Atlantic Canada’s unique places and experiences are key to building strong communities. The Government of Canada is investing in the Town of Port Hawkesbury to re-invigorate its waterfront, creating new business opportunities and a welcoming, accessible space for residents and visitors to explore.

15. MP Lapointe to make FedNor announcement to enhance community infrastructure in Greater Sudbury and Timmins

    Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, will make an important infrastructure announcement in support of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. The announcement will be made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

16. Government of Canada to announce support for waterfront revitalization in Port Hawkesbury 

    Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, will announce support to re-energize the waterfront in Port Hawkesbury.

17. Pitch competition to spotlight cultural and economic contributions of Black women entrepreneurs 

    Black women entrepreneurs make important contributions to the Atlantic Canadian economy, despite facing systemic racism and obstacles in starting and growing their businesses. Reducing these barriers fosters a more inclusive and collaborative economy, leading to the innovations and technologies that improve our daily lives and drive our country forward.

18. Minister’s Statement: Food Day Canada 2022

    "Today, to mark Food Day Canada, I join foodies everywhere to celebrate our remarkable Canadian food. From farm to fork, thank you to all those who work hard to feed our country and a growing global population. I also salute chefs, professional and amateur, for your passion in turning Canadian ingredients into unforgettable feasts."

19. Government of Canada to announce support for Black women entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia

    The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, will announce funding to help Black women grow and launch early stage businesses in Nova Scotia.

20. Canada and Ontario Taking Further Action to Grow and Sustain the Agri-Food Workforce

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $4 million to continue building a strong and competitive agri-food workforce. The second round of the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative, which opens today and closes on September 8, 2022, provides funding for innovative pilot projects that are tailor-made to address employee needs at a local level.

21. Protecting farmers against the impacts of poultry disease outbreak

    Farmers care about the health of their animals and make every effort to protect it. Disease outbreaks can still occur, resulting in significant losses for producers, the sector and the economy. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced over $1.2 million for three organizations to roll out insurance products to help poultry producers better manage risks and mitigate losses that may result from a disease outbreak.

22. St. Peters Bay will benefit from upgraded tourism offerings to help attract visitors to the region

    Canada has much to offer visitors: breathtaking landscapes and wide open spaces; diverse and inclusive experiences; and welcoming people from coast to coast to coast who provide outstanding service.

23. Government of Canada invests in a Quebec cheese factory

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that Agrilait S.E.C. in Saint-Guillaume, Quebec, will receive up to $859,833 through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund. This investment will help the company increase cheese production at Fromagerie St-Guillaume, reduce its production costs and, ultimately, strengthen food security.

24. St. Peters Bay, Prince Edward Island will benefit from modernized tourism offering to attract more visitors to the region

    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, will make an announcement in support of the tourism industry in Prince Edward Island.

25. Minister Hutchings concludes successful trip to engage with rural stakeholders and partners in Newfoundland and Labrador

    Yesterday, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, concluded a tour of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of her ongoing discussions and engagement with rural partners and stakeholders across the province.

26. Atlantic Canada’s Premiers and Federal Ministers Renew Atlantic Growth Strategy Priorities

    Sustained economic growth in Atlantic Canada requires strong federal-provincial collaboration. Atlantic premiers and federal ministers are focused on addressing current and emerging issues to support the long-term economic growth in small and large communities across the region. .

27. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture reach a new partnership agreement and inject new funds to support the sector

    This week, the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture reached an agreement in principle for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership at their Annual Meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This new five-year agreement will inject $500 million in new funds, representing a 25% increase in the cost-shared portion of the partnership.

28. Annual Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture

    This week, the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture reached an agreement in principle for the new, five-year, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership at their Annual Meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They also advanced discussions on a number of priority areas for producers, processors and other stakeholders in the sector.

29. Atlantic Canada Federal Ministers and Premiers to hold media availability following Atlantic Growth Strategy Leadership Committee Meeting

    The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier Newfoundland and Labrador, will hold a press conference following a meeting of the Atlantic Growth Strategy Leadership Committee.

30. Minister Bibeau to hold a media availability to discuss the Annual Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will be joined by the Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture for Saskatchewan, and other provincial and territorial ministers for a media conference following the Annual Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture.

31. Minister Bibeau travelling to Saskatchewan

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will be in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from July 20 to 22 for the Annual Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture.

32. Backgrounder: Truro seizing growth opportunities to bolster tourism, business revenue, visitation

    Atlantic Canada’s main streets, downtowns, neighbourhoods and parks are vibrant spaces where people gather to enjoy all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. After more than two years of the pandemic, people are once again looking to frequent local businesses and rediscover their communities. As a result, organizations, business and tourism operators are developing fresh approaches and innovative ways to bring people back.

33. Truro seizing growth opportunities to bolster tourism, business revenue, visitation

    Atlantic Canada’s main streets, downtowns, neighbourhoods and parks are vibrant spaces where people gather to enjoy all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. After more than two years of the pandemic, people are once again looking to frequent local businesses and rediscover their communities. As a result, organizations, business and tourism operators are developing fresh approaches and innovative ways to bring people back.

34. Government of Canada invests more than $8.7 million to help farmers adopt clean technologies to reduce greenhouse gas

    Across the country, Canadian farmers are on the frontlines of climate change. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced 28 additional projects under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. This investment of more than $8.7 million will support the adoption of clean technologies across Canada.

35. Government of Canada to announce support for three projects in Colchester County 

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, will announce support for three projects in Colchester County to help the region boost tourism and create growth opportunities for local businesses.

36. Northumberland Shore will benefit from investments to draw people to downtowns and public spaces

    Canada’s main streets, downtowns and public spaces are vibrant community assets that promote social interaction, physical activity and enjoyment among residents and visitors alike. They draw people together and into our neighbourhoods, to connect and rediscover all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. Our recovery is closely linked to the vitality of these places and the Government of Canada is supporting projects that strengthen them.

37. Backgrounder: Northumberland Shore will benefit from investments to draw people to downtowns and public spaces

    Canada’s main streets, downtowns and public spaces are vibrant community assets that promote social interaction, physical activity and enjoyment among residents and visitors alike. They draw people together and into our neighbourhoods, to connect and rediscover all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. Our recovery is closely linked to the vitality of these places and the Government of Canada is supporting projects that strengthen them.

38. Minister Bibeau to announce support for farmers to adopt clean technologies

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Honourable Jim Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, will be in Winnipeg

39. Government of Canada to announce support for revitalization projects along the Northumberland Shore

    Government of Canada to announce support for revitalization projects along the Northumberland Shore

40. Government of Canada launches nine new living labs: collaborative on-farm solutions to combat climate change in agriculture 

    Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the creation of nine new living labs across Canada. As farmers and Canadians face the brunt of the impacts of climate change, these new living labs will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the climate resiliency of our nation’s food systems.

41. New Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs, Partners and Projects

    The Government of Canada announced nine new living labs in six provinces under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program.

42. Minister Bibeau to announce major support for on-farm solutions to combat climate change in agriculture

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will be in Calgary, Alberta to announce support for on-farm research activities to develop and implement best practices to reduce greenhouse emissions in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

43. Government of Canada invests in increasing bison exports

    Canada’s bison producers deliver healthy, naturally grown products that are in demand here and around the world. Today, to kick off the International Bison Convention 2022, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $133,611 over two years to support economic growth for Canada’s bison industry.

44. Upper Hammonds Plains will benefit from renovations to create inclusive recreation space for youth 

    Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

45. Government of Canada to announce support for a community organization in Hammonds Plains  

    Government of Canada to announce support for a community organization in Hammonds Plains

46. Government of Canada invests over $1.4 million in plant-based food production in British Columbia

    Canada’s plant-based food sector is evolving to meet the increasing global demand for protein. To ensure this development is matched by support for companies to commercialize their products, today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced over $1.4 million in funding for Big Mountain Foods 2 Ltd. in Delta, British Columbia.

47. Government of Canada announces up to $939,035 in funding to improve mobile connectivity in rural Quebec

    Today, Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced up to $939,035 in federal funding for Bell to improve mobile connectivity in the First Nations community of Les Atikamekw de Manawan.

48. Barton and surrounding communities will benefit from new accessible and inclusive playground and park to help bring people back to public spaces safely

    Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

49. Biography - Benoit Basillais

    Mr. Benoit Basillais has been a contributing member of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) workforce since 2003, where he started his CDC career as an economist. Having always been passionate about agriculture, he obtained

50. Minister Bibeau announces appointment to Canadian Dairy Commission

    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced that Benoit Basillais has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC), replacing Serge Riendeau.