Meat Processors Welcome National Food Security Strategy but Warn of Export Market Risks and Labour Gaps
June 15, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) and Canada’s federally licensed red meat processing sector welcome the Government of Canada’s recently announced National Food Security Strategy, particularly its commitment to strengthening domestic food processing capacity. However, the sector is raising concerns about proposed exemptions from federal food safety requirements for non-federally licensed processors, which could create risks for international market access, as well as the absence of measures to address persistent labour shortages in the agri-food sector.
“Canada’s meat processors are at the heart of agricultural communities across the country,” said Sylvain Fournaise, Chair of the CMC. “We welcome the initial investments aimed at expanding domestic food processing capacity, especially at a time when many companies— including small and medium-sized beef processors—are facing significant financial pressures driven by high input costs and evolving global market conditions.”
The strategy includes $1 billion in Farm Credit Canada financing for food and agriculture businesses, $150 million for small and medium-sized enterprises, and $100 million to support the commercialization of agricultural innovation. However, it also proposes exemptions from the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations for certain non-federally licensed processors. These regulations underpin Canada’s federally inspected meat system and guide Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversight of federally licensed establishments, ensuring consistent food safety standards for both domestic and international markets.
“The Canadian food safety system, administered by the CFIA under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, is recognized internationally as a benchmark for high standards,” said Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the CMC. “Any measures that create parallel or differentiated regulatory frameworks risk undermining the confidence that underpins Canada’s export market access. Federally licensed processors continue to invest heavily to maintain the highest food safety standards, and it is important that regulatory changes do not unintentionally disadvantage that system.”
Despite significant investments aimed at expanding food processing capacity, the strategy does not include a plan to address ongoing labour shortages in the agri-food sector. With the expiration of the Agri-Food Pilot in the spring of 2025, the CMC continues to work with industry partners to advocate for a permanent immigration stream for agri-food workers to support longterm sector growth and resilience.
“Many meat processors across Canada are unable to operate at full capacity due to persistent labour shortages,” added Larkin. “This is not only affecting current production and Canada’s food security objectives, but is also constraining planned investments in facility expansion.
Without a durable solution following the Agri-Food Pilot, the sector’s ability to contribute fully to Canada’s economy will remain limited.”
The Canadian Meat Council looks forward to working with the Government of Canada to advance policies that strengthen domestic food processing capacity, ensure regulatory consistency, and support a stable and skilled workforce, while maintaining Canada’s internationally recognized food safety standards.
-30-
About the Canadian Meat Council: The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.meatcouncil.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Julia Pennella
Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
647-987-1934 | julia@meatcouncil.ca
