Kathleen Donohue
Assistant Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Canola Council of Canada
30Advancing 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 Canola Growers Association
22Agricultural 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.
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. 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. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Agricultural Trade - Support multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and policies that provide more free and open access to existing and new markets through reduced tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. 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. 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 a review of the Canada Grains Act to modernize role of Canadian Grain Commission to align with needs of the grain sector. 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. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment. Including in relation to polices and regulations concerning carbon pricing, as it pertains to on-farm exemptions, offset protocols, rebates, and research. Climate change laws, policies, programs and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Climate/Environment- Advance canola- based biofuel as part of the solution for climate change. Canada's Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Advocate for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation and that it is facilitative for trade. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. Agriculture - Work to ensure the existing and upcoming Agricultural Policy Framework addresses the needs of canola farmers including business risk management, marketing and research. Maintain support for federal and shared funded programs.
Cereals Canada
22Support 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.
Grain Growers of Canada
6International trade benefitting grain farmers, ensuring that exports of grain and grain products and imports of essential equipment and inputs remain tariff-free. Grain research and development, particularly ensuring that AAFC is properly staffed and resourced, continues downstream research, return to former levels of research funding, and modernize their R&D infrastructure and technology. Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, particularly AgriStability, AgriInvest and AgriRecovery, ensuring these programs provide farmers with a sufficient safety net and tools to mitigate financial losses and protect farm viability. Trade-enabling infrastructure, advocating for investments in infrastructure essential to the export of Canadian grain and grain products. Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations as they relate to mandatory nutrition labeling, health claims involving cereal grains, oilseeds and pulse crops, Genetically Modified food labeling. Viterra-Bunge merger, sharing concerns from grain farmers regarding the proposed acquisition. Canada Grain Act, seeking to enhance producer protections, bolster the producer payment security program, and increase data requirement functions. Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, with respect to trade distorting impacts. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, with respect to supporting farmer competitiveness and further enabling farmers' role as climate solution providers. Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS), ensuring that the strategy is fully funded, does not include any targets without data and helps to grow food production to meet increasing domestic and global demand. Right to repair to ensure that grain farmers can access diagnostics software to repair their equipment. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to the Own Use Import and the Grower Requested Own Use programs. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to Minor Use Pesticide Program including new pesticides, minor uses and amended labelling for usage. Capital Gains Inclusion Rate, specifically as it relates to intergenerational transfers and family farms. Canada Labour Code, and regulations specifically related to grain handling and transportation. Agricultural trade negotiations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Canada-India, Canada-China, with respect to more export market opportunities for grain farmers. Advocating for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers.
Soy Canada
6The 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.
Maple Leaf Foods
5Advocate for government to introduce programs/testing to monitor and address the movement of poultry into Canada outside of Canada's import (TRQ) controls. Provide input and advice on Canada's Food Security Strategy and other measures to address food insecurity. Inquiries regarding the processing of Remission Applications Advocate for red tape reduction. Funding under Strategic Innovation Fund and other government programs to support food manufacturing in Canada. Extension of open work permits and addition of pathways to permanent residency for foreign workers in the food manufacturing sector. Advocating for regulations to exclude food from the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act given the significant risks to food safety and international trade. Tariffs: Lobby federal government on Canada's response to U.S. and other tariffs Orderly functioning of Poultry Supply Management including allocation decisions. Plastic packaging - ensure Federal Policy framework sets achievable targets for food packaging and recognizes packaging functional requirements. Greenwashing provisions of Competition Act - requesting amendments to address concern that legislation will reduce climate leadership in Canada. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its application to food manufacturing and agriculture. The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Public Opinion Polling related to food insecurity and poverty Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs Providing input on the scope of the 21st Century Corporations Act, particularly as it relates to the obligations placed on corporations and directors under the Act.
The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its administration in Western Canada Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of the Food Policy for Canada Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Free trade negotiations (Canada-EU, Canada-Japan, Canada-China and Trans Pacific Partnership) and opportunities for enhanced pork trade. Development of a national food policy. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. CFIA's Inspection Modernization initiative - impact on new inspection requirements for meat plants. Action plans under the Regulatory Cooperation Council and the Canada-U.S. Border Action Plan - impact on re-inspection of meat at the border and harmonization of food safety and meat inspection systems. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs
Canadian Sugar Institute
4Bilateral and regional trade agreements: Monitor implementation with respect to market access and trade balance for sugar and sugar containing food products. World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture negotiations: seeking the multilateral reduction of tariff and quota barriers in the US and other export markets, reduced domestic and export subsidies and other programs that distort pricing and international markets. Trade distorting international trade policies, programs: Seeking government actions to oppose international trade distorting policies that threaten Canadian sugar market. Nutrition and food labelling regulations: Advocating for science-based and non-misleading labelling of sugars on food products. Health Canada and Statistics Canada: advocating for use of accurate sugar/sugars terminology in analysis and communications related to Canadian Community Health Survey. CUSMA, in respect of Canada's management of export controls for access to the US market access for Canadian refined sugar and sugar-containing products restricted by US tariff rate quotas. Advocacy to engage government to maintain CUSMA access to the US market for sugar and processed foods and to prevent new US market access restrictions. Competitiveness - providing input to ensure that Canada's food sector is competitive throughout the supply chain, including the transportation infrastructure. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in respect of accurate labelling of sugar and other sweeteners and compliance with origin and sugar-related claims. Canada Customs Tariff as it relates to the classification and entry of sugar products, preserves details related to monitor impacts of international trade issues. Bilateral and regional trade negotiations achieve commercially meaningful export gains, do not lower Canada's refined sugar tariff in absence of reciprocal export benefits. Bilateral and Regional free trade agreements: seeking government support to oppose non-tariff barriers that prevent realization of export gains for sugar and sugar-containing products.
Canadian Cattle Association
3research 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."
Health of Animals Act, Maximum compensation limits and reportable disease response Health of Animals Act - Regulations pertaining to Specified Risk Material Health of Animals Act - Proposed changes to Section XV Traceability Regulations.
Canadian Meat Council
3World Trade Organization Doha Round Negotiations: the Canadian Meat Council supports an ambitious trade deal at the World Trade Organization to gain better access to important export markets. We need a significant reduction in import tariffs, the elimination of export subsidies and greatly reduced domestic support that distorts pricing and international markets. Veterinary Import Policy: Animal Health Risk Assessment: the Canadian Meat Council has requested an updated risk assessment on the importation of live American hogs for slaughter in Canada. Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement- the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the Government of Canada to ratify the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement Negotiations. Canada should be seeking an ambitious free trade agreement with all parties in the negotiations. Temporary Foreign Worker Program: the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the continued access for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Canada's meat industry. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding extensive efforts to recruit domestically, it is the reality of our industry that the number of workers required exceeds, by far, the number of both lower-skilled and higher-skilled Canadian candidates who are both willing and able to work in Canada's meat processing industry. There is now an application fee of $1000 per Temporary Foreign Worker- if a form has 1 employee or 100 employees the charge is $1000 per worker applied for. If the request is rejected the fee is not refunded. These fees seem much higher than a reasonable cost to process- especially when the request for multiple employees is rejected. Safe Food for Canadians Act: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the development of outcome based food safety regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the development and implementation of a risk-based and evidence-based food inspection safety system. Refugees: We are advocating for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to initiate efforts to direct refugee settlement to locations where individuals may be qualified, with training, to fill meat industry job vacancies. The Canadian meat industry also welcomes any other initiatives that will facilitate inter-provincial labour mobility of unemployed, under-employed and disadvantaged Canadians willing to work in our industry. Product of Canada Guidelines: the Canadian Meat Council supports a review of the Product of Canada Guidelines with regard to labelling of meat products. Meat Safety Tax Credit: the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the creation of a new Meat Safety Tax Credit based on eligible expenses for Canadas food processing industry for a safer food supply for Canadians. Market Access for Canadian Meat Exports Program: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for a 5-year $10 million Market Access for Canadian Meat Exports Program to help Canadas meat packing and processing industry take full advantage of the export opportunities created by new international trade agreements. Manual of Procedures: the Canadian Meat Council is requesting that the Government update policies on animal transportation and welfare issues- Chapter 12 of the Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures. Labour Mobility Incentive Program: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for a new 5-year $50 million Labour Mobility Incentive Program targeted at Canadas youth to strengthen Canadas labour market. Interprovincial Meat Trade Pilot Project:the Canadian Meat Council is advocating that all meat processed in Canada should be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the new Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations. International Barriers to Trade: The Canadian Meat Council seeks to eliminate or prevent out-dated, overly burdensome, discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate technical requirements in other countries that can create unnecessary obstacles to trade, reduce competition and prevent Canadian expor
Fisheries Council of Canada
3Seek to improve fisheries management under DFO Advocate for stability of access and allocation shares as the Government fulfills its Indigenous relations obligations and works to increase Indigenous participation in fisheries. Participate in regulatory consultations under the Fisheries Act. Advocate for economic and innovation supports to achieve industry growth vision. Advocate for free trade and work with officials to address non-tariff barriers as they arise. Advocate for balancing marine conservation with sustainable use as the Government of Canada works towards its marine conservation targets. Participate in regulatory consultations under Oceans Act, National Marine Conservation Areas Act, and Fisheries Act. Advocate for Canada's ratification of the UK's accession to The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Advocate for food security, science and innovation, and the healthy benefits of fish and seafood for the Canadian public. Seek improved fisheries science with DFO. Represent members interests in development of regulations under the Fisheries Act Discuss Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program and permanent residency for foreign workers Maintain communications with International trade partners and potential partners. Advocate for better inclusion of the fish and seafood sector in the Temporary Foreign Workers program.
Discuss TFW program and permanent residency for foreign workers Seek improved fisheries science with DFO. Represent members interests in development of regulations under the Fisheries Act Advocate stability of access and allocation shares as the Government fulfills its Indigenous relations obligations and works to increase Indigenous participation in fisheries. Participate in regulatory consultations under the Fisheries Act. Advocate free trade and work with officials to address non-tariff barriers as they arise. Advocate for better inclusion of the fish and seafood sector in the Temporary Foreign Workers program. Advocate for balancing marine conservation with sustainable use as the Government of Canada works towards its marine conservation targets. Participate in regulatory consultations under Oceans Act, National Marine Conservation Areas Act, and Fisheries Act. Advocate for amendments to Bill C-49 to better protect fishing areas off Nova Scotia. Advocate economic and innovation supports to achieve industry growth vision. Advocate Canadas ratification of the UKs accession to the CPTPP.