Canada begins a new political chapter with a new government, a new prime minister, and a new agriculture minister. Farm leaders hope this change brings fresh direction and better results for agriculture. When Donald Trump shook up U.S. trade policy, Canadian farmers felt the pressure. Under then-Prime Minister Trudeau, Ottawa failed to respond with a unified voice.
Now we have Prime Minister Mark Carney. Will he do better?
Farm leaders nationwide call this moment a wake-up call—not to abandon the U.S. market but to stop relying on it as our only play. Canada must diversify and act strategically. This new government must lead with policy, not partisanship.
Saskatchewan farmer Rob Stone had hoped MP Kody Blois would become Minister of Agriculture, calling him “knowledgeable, hardworking, and unafraid to ask questions.” Stone now hopes that newly appointed Minister Heath MacDonald will show those traits and listen to the ag community when shaping policy.
Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council, says it’s time to prioritize good policy over politics, especially in agriculture.
“A former prime minister once said, ‘an election is no time to talk about serious issues,’” Dahl recalled. “But when it comes to providing opportunity for Canadians, policy matters far more than politics.”
He says agriculture often gets overlooked in federal planning, even though it contributes seven percent of Canada’s GDP—$150 billion—and supports 2.3 million jobs. “That’s one in every nine jobs. It’s time the entire cabinet acknowledged that,” he said.
Dahl urged Minister MacDonald to focus on trade. In 2024, Canada’s agri-food exports surpassed $100 billion, but agricultural interests remain sidelined in trade talks. “Agriculture needs a seat at the table when Canada sets its trade positions,” he said. “A good first step would be explicitly including agriculture in Team Canada trade missions to the U.S.”
Dahl said trade problems go beyond the U.S.; Canadian pork and seafood exports to China face 25 percent tariffs. Canola faces 100 percent. Even under the Canada–EU deal, Canadian exporters face non-tariff barriers. “Protectionism is rising, and so is global instability,” said Dahl.

He added, “Canada needs a strategy to deal with these threats.”
He urged the government to form a joint industry–government task group focused on agri-food trade. “We need to answer three questions: How do we mitigate tariffs? How do we eliminate barriers? And how do we diversify our markets?” The overarching goal, he said, is simple: “Preserve the North American market and open up global trade.”
Dahl pointed out that more than 400 farm groups exist in Canada. “That means government often hears 400 different voices. Without consensus, any action meets opposition, and that gives Ottawa the perfect excuse to do nothing,” he said.
He called on farmers, processors, and farm organizations to unite around clear, export-focused proposals. “Otherwise, we risk inaction and missed opportunity,” he said.
Dahl stressed that food trade is not just economic—it’s also about national security. “In today’s unstable geopolitical climate, food security matters. Canada, the U.S., and Mexico must work together through CUSMA to protect supply chains,” he said.
He challenged Ottawa to back Canadian agriculture in the upcoming CUSMA review and to act on promises made during the election. “World trade disruptions can be opportunities—but only if we have bold, decisive policy. If we don’t act, we’ll hurt farmers, stall value-added processing, and limit economic growth.”
The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association also welcomed MacDonald’s appointment and called for swift, practical action. “We welcome Minister MacDonald to this vital role,” said President Gunter Jochum. “Now is the time to turn campaign promises into action. Farmers need bold regulatory reform, better market access, and the removal of growth-limiting barriers.”
Jochum called for greater investment in infrastructure and better trade performance.
“The government has committed to infrastructure, and that’s a good start,” he said. “But we must go further. Our ports need expansion and strong Western Canadian representation. Our trade corridors must run efficiently—24/7, 365 days a year—if we’re going to stay competitive.”
Daryl Fransoo, Chair of the Wheat Growers, echoed the need for urgency. “We’re optimistic about the Minister’s leadership,” he said. “But it’s time to move from words to action. Canadian agriculture should be a global powerhouse—and that requires immediate steps forward.”
Jochum said the Wheat Growers will work with the Minister to build a strong, globally competitive future. “We bring practical experience and clear solutions to the table,” he said. “We’re ready to partner with the government to deliver measurable results for producers and the agri-food economy.”
This is a defining moment for Canadian agriculture. Farmers stand ready. The solutions are clear. Now the government must act.
Bold, practical steps—not politics—must lead the way. •
— By Harry Siemens