This week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, was in the Quebec City area to meet with producers, partners and provincial stakeholders in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Minister MacDonald was accompanied by his Parliamentary Secretary, Sophie Chatel.
Minister MacDonald met with Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Donald Martel to discuss priorities such as the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, and reciprocal standards for imported foods and products. Ministers MacDonald and Martel agreed to continue their joint efforts to support Quebec's agriculture and agri-food industry.
During his time in Quebec, Minister MacDonald made a speech at the General Congress of the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), also answering questions from the agricultural producers in attendance. Prior to his speech, the Minister met with UPA's President Martin Caron and Executive Director Charles-Félix Ross to discuss financial assistance for producers and measures to ensure a reliable agricultural workforce.
Minister MacDonald held a round table with members of Quebec's processing vegetable production sector. Participants shared their thoughts on opportunities and challenges, particularly with regard to agri-food imports and exports. The Minister reiterated his support for increasing access to key markets and reducing obstacles to trade.