Rob Black, Senator and Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, recently travelled to Western and Northern Canada to gain a deeper understanding of Canadian agriculture from coast to coast to coast.

 

As one of only a few ‘AGvocates’ in the Senate of Canada, Rob Black emphasizes the importance of listening to farmers and producers from across the country so that he can better understand their ongoing issues and bring those concerns back to the Senate Chamber in Ottawa. 

 

In July, Black travelled to Calgary, Alberta and Whitehorse, Yukon and toured numerous farms and agricultural facilities, and met with farmers and producers from across these regions. 

 

 “The needs of Canadian agriculture can be addressed through informed policy and dedicated support, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all regions”

 

Senator Rob Black

 

While travelling through the Alberta countryside, Black toured the OH Ranch Historical Site, a local tree farm, and a malting barley grower, and met with Calgary Stampede Board Members and stampede athletes and participants.  He also toured the new SAM Centre and BMO Centre on the Stampede Grounds – two exceptional facilities showcasing both Alberta, and Canada’s rich history.  During his time in Alberta, Black said, “It became abundantly clear that farmers are indeed the stewards of the land, diligently working to ensure soil health and reduce degradation.

”In Whitehorse, Black attended and spoke at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s 2024 Summer Meeting. The conference presented the opportunity to better understand current issues in Canada agriculture, while hearing directly from industry members. Moreover, Black had several industry meetings on the fringes of the conference to discuss issues specific to their industries.

In collaboration with the Yukon Agriculture Association, Black and two of his Senate colleagues, Senator Pat Duncan (Yukon) and Senator Mary Robinson (Prince Edward Island), had the opportunity to tour several farms in the territory including a grain farm, a horse and beef ranch, a chicken farm, and a local flour mill.  “The Yukon has bridled potential”, said Black. “Due to climate, shortened growing windows, lack of Government funding, permafrost, and isolation among other factors, agriculture in the Yukon faces serious barriers to reaching its full potential.”

Despite these challenges, Black remains optimistic that the needs of Canadian agriculture can be addressed through informed policy and dedicated support, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all regions. Black looks forward to bringing these issues back to Ottawa in the Fall.