November 22, 2019

Canadian Pork Council welcomes appointment of new minister of agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council has welcomed the renewed appointment of Marie-Claude Bibeau as Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada in the federal cabinet.

"On behalf of pork producers across Canada, I would like to congratulate Minister Bibeau on her appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada," said Rick Bergmann, chair of the Canadian Pork Council. "Over the past nine months, producers have appreciated her availability to hear concerns and work on solutions. The collaboration shown by staff under her leadership has been very much appreciated by the pork sector."

The role of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is crucial as it ensures the food security of Canadians. It also promotes the development of an industry that is a respected economic engine for the country and accounts for 12% of total Canadian employment.

The CPC said it looks forward to continue working with Bibeau, especially on three key files essential to the sustainability of pork production in Canada: enhancing Canada's animal health system; improving market risk management programme and; establishing a Pork Promotion and Research Agency.

"We are fortunate to work and live in a country that produces ample supplies of affordable, wholesome food in a sustainable manner. The Canadian pork sector produces enough pork to be able to export 70% of its production to other countries and has the capacity to produce even more," said René Roy, CPC's second vice-chair.

"In order to fully maximise the positive impact of the pork industry on the country, collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food is essential. Together, we must work on mitigating the risks faced by producers to ensure the industry remains strong, and in a position to continue to grow."

- Canadian Pork Council