Alison Porter
Director of Policy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Fertilizer Canada
12Seeking government action to recognize fertilizer as an essential good necessary for both domestic and global food production. Regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods and designated fertilizer products. Input on water policy as it relates to the impact and management of fertilizer products. Input on economic and fiscal policy as it relates to the fertilizer industry in Canada and its global competitiveness. Input on climate change and greenhouse gas policy, strategies. Explosives Regulations regarding safety and security in handling of explosive precursors to reduce the risk of criminal acts. Engaging the government on its initiative to reduce fertilizer emissions by 30% from 2020 levels. Changes to the Fertilizers Act and regulations regarding the use, registration, or safety of fertilizer products
Canadian Cattle Association
7research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, Business risk management programs, Livestock Tax Deferral, Livestock Price Insurance, Agristability, Animal Health programs. Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc. "Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster."
Canola Council of Canada
7Advancing biofuels policy and the benefits of biofuels for canola farmers, processors, and rural communities. Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Working on sustainability and biodiversity policy as it relates to the Canadian canola industry and agriculture sector. Working on rail and labour policy as it relates to the movement and export of canola and canola products. Working on innovation policy to drive growth and investment in the Canadian canola industry. Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.
Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Expanding renewable content in diesel as part of Canada's Clean Fuel Standard and increasing the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is the current policy framework for federal and provincial agricultural programs. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.
Canadian Biogas Association
5Waste management regulations, particularly in relation to landfill gas collection requirements The Clean Fuels Regulation developed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and ensuring biogas and Renewable Natural Gas can be successful credit generators The Canadian Biogas Association advocates for support to biogas projects and infrastructure, including that led by the agricultural sector, the municipal sector, the waste sector and the private sector. Tax regulations as it pertains to exemptions, eligibility, and design of tax treatment for non-fossil clean fuel production and use Strategies, programs and policies that relate to organic waste and landfill management in the municipal and waste sectors Strategies, programs and policies that relate to agricultural waste management, anaerobic digestion, digestate standards and management, and soil health Renewable gas blending requirements for Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Participating in broad policy discussion with respect to funding energy technology innovation Greenhouse gas pollution pricing and the output based pricing system, and how scheduled increases in pricing impacts the competitiveness and development of biogas, renewable natural gas, renewable electricity and renewable vehicle fuels Government policies that address the procurement and use of biogas, renewable natural gas, renewable electricity, renewable heat, renewable vehicle fuel as forms of low-carbon alternative energy sources for use within government buildings and fleets. Federal carbon offsets protocols and how they can successfully drive more production of landfill gas and agricultural biogas Federal Budget - The CBA is pursuing a variety of program and funding support that will scale up the adoption of biogas and Renewable Natural Gas across Canada. Advocating for the use of cleaner transportation fuels and for policies and standards that support the use of Renewable Natural Gas as a proven low-carbon transportation fuel Advocating for policies and programs that can support biogas and renewable natural gas development in the agricultural, municipal and waste sectors Advancing policies and programs that increase biogas and renewable natural gas adoption by end-consumers in Canada
Raise awareness and profile of Canadas biogas & renewable natural gas sector, including benefits and opportunities in agriculture, road and marine transportation, buildings, and industry. Engagement regarding policies and regulations related to energy, waste management, energy infrastructure, and use of biogas & renewable natural gas. Engagement regarding policies, programs, and tax incentives to support investments in the development of the Canadian biogas & renewable natural gas industry. Discussions regarding the design, amendment, and implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations, with a focus on pathways for gaseous fuel participation.
Raising awareness and profile of Canadas biogas & renewable natural gas sector, including benefits and opportunities in agriculture, road and marine transportation, buildings, and industry. Engagement regarding policies and regulations related to energy, waste management, energy infrastructure, and use of biogas & renewable natural gas. Engagement regarding policies, programs, and tax incentives to support investments in the development of the Canadian biogas & renewable natural gas industry. Discussions regarding the design, amendment, and implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations, with a focus on pathways for gaseous fuel participation.
PAA Advisory | Conseils
Nature United
5Implementation of the Government of Canada's A Force of Nature Strategy, including Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing Supporting the advancement of sustainable fisheries and oceans strategy, marine protected areas, and mitigation opportunities under the Fisheries Act review Targeted fiscal policies to unlock private capital and de-risk investment in nature, particularly land-based productive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and Indigenous-led land management. Inclusion of funding for conservation and sustainable agriculture programs in Budget 2025 Sustainable agriculture policies and programs that support producers with the uptake of Beneficial Management Practices. Policies and programs that support Indigenous-led stewardship and education, as well as land use management policies that conserve environmentally sensitive landscapes and marine areas while promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in those communities. Policies and programs related to Canada's Net-Zero goals and its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Convention on Biological Diversity. Grants and program funding for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship, education and land-use planning, including funding and programs administered through Environment and Climate Change Canada. Specifically funding for projects in Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Manitoba. Future Biodiversity target accountability act related to commitments under UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Canadian Canola Growers Association
4Agricultural trade: multi and bi-lateral trade negotiations to maintain and expand opportunities for canola farmers through reduction in tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Inter-provincial regulations support canola production, market access, and growth. Agriculture Policy Framework: ensure that business risk management programs and strategic initiatives are suitable for canola farmers. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment, including in relation to offset protocols, ecological goods and services, and rebates. Support on-farm exemptions for carbon pricing. Climate change laws, policies, programs, research, and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Seeds Act and regulations as it pertains to seed variety registrations. Plant Breeders Rights Act and regulations as it relates to intellectual property rights. Patent Act and regulations as it pertains to intellectual property rights specific to seed technologies. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Fisheries Act regulations and polices as it relates to fish habitats on farmland. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canadian Food Inspection Act and regulations as it relates to canola production and trade. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Act Regulations as it relates to grain handling and transportation. Broadband: Expedite and support efforts to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural and remote communities. Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and regulations as it pertains to the Advance Payments Program.
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
4Communicating with government officials about recycling and circular economy initiatives, including as it relates to Extended Producer Responsibility ("EPR") obligations for manufacturers. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Legislation and regulation with respect to the creation of a plastics registry, plastic labelling or recycled content for plastic products. Communications with regard to retail theft of consumer health products and e-marketplaces and concerns around product safety and product integrity resulting from e-theft. Communications with regard to retail theft of consumer health products and e-marketplaces and concerns around product safety and product integrity resulting from e-theft. Bill C-224 - An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (natural health products): To keep NHPs under the purview of the Food and Drugs Act (i.e. Vanessas Law), which gives the minister the authority to use a ministerial order for a number of reasons (product recall, delay cost-recovery NHPs, delay labelling for NHPs to a later date). Working with the government to recognize the public health benefits of a National Self-Care Strategy and urging its timely implementation. User fees for services, use of facilities, regulatory processes and approvals, product rights and privileges that are related to drugs and medical devices regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Tax policy changes to allow certain therapeutic categories of consumer health products to be eligible under the Medical Expenses Tax Credit. Seeking harmonization of regulatory regimes and administrative processes nationally and internationally. Regulations Amending the Food and Drugs Regulations - Nutritional Labelling, Other Labelling Provisions and Food Colours – continue to engage with government to ensure clarity on compliance and enforcement of regulations. Providing input to government to restore balance and fair competition to grocery retail practices. Providing input to government on rules-based trade and e-commerce: working to ensure that international trade allows for the predictable flow of ingredients, products and people; addressing the rise of non-compliant and illicit products from entering the Canadian market; and advocating against protectionism (including new tariffs). Providing input to government on regulatory modernization initiatives, including encouraging the enforcement of an economic lens to the design and implementation of all regulations. Providing input to government on emerging COVID-19 issues and its impact on industry, and helping shape the governments response and recovery efforts. Providing input into Health Canada's Self-Care Products Framework with respect to over-the-counter drugs (OTC), natural health products (NHPs), and cosmetics. Advocating for a framework that is based on science-based claims and regulated according to risk. Pre-Market approvals for food additives, novel foods, infant formula, health claims and functional foods in regard to consulting with Health Canada on improving the process to deal with the backlog and new applications. Plastic Charter – to monitor the development of the federal government national strategy on plastic and potential impact our industry. Participation and input into Canada's sodium reduction strategy concerning targets for certain food categories/sectors and technical aspects of the target - as well as consumer awareness, education and acceptance issues. Nutrition information with regard to how FCPC is committed to enabling consumers to make informed food choices based on Canada's Food Guide and the Nutrition Facts Table. National Food Policy – Working in consultation with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as the National Food Policy, designed to address issues related to production, processing, distribution and consumption of food, is developed and implemented. Modernization of food regulations and legislation - advocate to ensure
Soy Canada
4The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) is the next policy framework for federal and provincial agricultural programs. Maintain support and full funding for federal and shared funded programs, including support for soybean research through the Agri-Science program Support the development and use of Canadian soy-based biofuels through the Clean Fuel Standard and Clean Fuel Regulations. Sustainability criteria in the Clean Fuel Regulations should apply on an aggregate basis to Canadian producers and reflect the longstanding and positive impact producers have on land-use and biodiversity. Support a competitive and efficient grain transportation systems across Canada, including road and port infrastructure, bulk and container rail service, as well as bulk and containerized marine service. Retain support from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada "Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership" Program for international market development and market access, sustainability programming, and a Canadian soy quality program. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) - Select national, international and foreign maximum residue limits that reflect science-based risk analyses and take into account both the availability and effectiveness of alternative products and the maintenance of competitiveness with foreign counterparts. Ensure adequate funding for both the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Canadian capacity to negotiate MRLs with foreign and international standards-setting agencies. Health/Safety/Environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits (PNTs) and products of Plant Breeding Innovation (PBIs) Soy Canada supports a timely, science, and risk-based assessment processes for domestic and foreign approvals of PNTs and PBIs. Ensure that modifications to the Seeds Regulations take into account the distinct requirements of both oilseed/crushing and identity-preserved/"food grade" soybeans. Bill C 282 An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management), with respect to how future international trade negotiations and outcomes are are affected by the Bill. Agriculture Trade - multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and discussions to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on soybeans and soy products.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
3National Food Security Strategy - Agriculture should be treated as a national priority, given its central role in food security, economic growth, and global stability. A national food security strategy should put farmers and food production at its core by improving access to capital, protecting farmland, stabilizing input supplies, accelerating innovation through more efficient regulation, expanding value-added processing, addressing labour shortages, and modernizing transportation and supply chain infrastructure through a whole-of-government approach. Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) – with respect to the upcoming 2026 review of Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, the priority for Canadian agriculture is a full 16-year renewal without reopening existing provisions, while preserving science-based rules, particularly SPS, biotechnology, and technical barrier provisions, strong dispute settlement, and predictable market access that support farmers, trade, and food security. Dedicated Agriculture and Agri-Food Infrastructure Funding Stream - to establish a dedicated agriculture and agri-food infrastructure stream within federal programming to improve access, coordination, and impact of national infrastructure projects for the agricultural sector. A persistent gap exists for mid-scale, regionally specific projects that fall between innovation programming and large-scale infrastructure programming. Key needs for agriculture include logistics corridors, processing and storage capacity, water and irrigation systems, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity. Bill C-273, An Act to amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Products Act and the Food and Drugs Act - with respect to the need to accelerate access to new tools and technologies by leveraging trusted jurisdictions' risk and science-based decisions to streamline approval timelines and use use mechanisms such as conditional approvals to bring safe, innovative products to market faster for the agricultural sector. Plant and Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Capacity - Calling on the Government of Canada to increase investment in prevention, surveillance, and response capacity for major plant and animal disease threats, including financial preparedness, international zoning agreements, coordinated federal-provincial-industry response plans, and updated regulatory frameworks, which would help producers maintain export market access, and ensure the resilience of Canada's food system. Expanded Eligibility for Farm Rollover Provisions - expanding farm rollover provisions to a broader range of family members, including nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and stepchildren, to reduce tax barriers to intergenerational farm transfers and sustain investment in the sector as Canada's farm population continues to age, while recognizing the multi-family nature of many farming operations in Canada Critical Farm Input Strategy - to establish a coordinated approach to ensuring Canadian farmers have reliable and timely access to essential inputs such as fertilizer, crop protection products, energy, and veterinary tools that are fundamental to food production, yet availability is increasingly vulnerable to supply chain volatility, geopolitical instability, and regulatory barriers. Tariffs on Critical Farm Inputs: Ensure critical farm inputs are not subject to any potential future countermeasures imposed by the Government of Canada in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. These products include, but are not limited to, certain fertilizer products, farm equipment and machinery, seed (including low erucic acid rape or colza seeds) as well as feed ingredients and veterinary products. Labour Disruptions: Launch consultations with industry representatives and implicated stakeholders to explore options to address the root causes of labour disruptions. Modernize labour laws to establish a clear, transparent, and expedited process for resolving
Cereals Canada
3Support the enforcement and aftercare of implemented trade agreements by encouraging and facilitating technical expertise related to non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Support expansion of multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and implementation of agreements to reduce tariffs, technical barriers, and non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Ensuring that the Canadian cereals industry continues to be regulated by the best available science when considering crop protection products, and plant breeding innovation. Encourage the development of infrastructure and innovation initiatives that will allow the Canadian agriculture and cereals industries to continue to be world leaders in science-based research and development, while ensuring the maintenance of our competitive export position into the future. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriScience Program which aims to accelerate the pace of innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and cutting-edge research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program which aims to assist in the increase and diversification of Canadian agricultural exports to international markets.