OTTAWA, ONTARIO — The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) are joining together to emphasize the need for an African swine fever (ASF) trade recovery program in the event of an outbreak.

During the industry’s fall meetings in Ottawa, Ontario, the groups voiced concern for plans to address ASF, improved trade access and ongoing access to labor and immigration programs for the pork industry.

“These are important days for our industry,” explained René Roy, CPC chair. “By joining forces with the Canadian Meat Council, we presented a united front to advocate for the priorities of the Canadian pork sector. Our conversations emphasized the urgent need to address challenges like ASF, expand trade opportunities, and agriculture’s unique labor needs, priorities that are crucial for sustaining and growing our industry. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance these priorities.”

The groups made their objectives known to parliamentarians, government officials and industry partners during the event, stressing the importance of a reliable agricultural workforce. They urged the government to prioritize support for year-round labor needs in the agricultural sector.

“Our joint lobby day showcased the power of collaboration,” stated Chris White, president and chief executive officer of CMC and Canada Pork. “Together, we were able to effectively spotlight issues affecting both producers and processors in a way that demonstrates our industry’s cohesive vision for the future. We are grateful to all the parliamentarians and officials who joined us and look forward to building on these discussions.”

The event culminated in the annual PorkFest reception, where members of the CPC and CMC were joined by government officials and industry representatives to celebrate the dedication of Canadian pork producers.

Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, attended the reception, where he vocalized his support for the Canadian pork sector.