Mathieu Boucher
Deputy Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·7 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Alberta Sugar Beet Growers
1We lobby to help advocate for the needs of the sugar beet farmers in the areas of; business risk management programs such as Agri-Stability, international trade- Free Trade Agreements, domestic trade, consumer issues such as labeling, carbon levy exemptions, and rate of tax. Transpacific Partnership Trade Agreement: To secure additional sugar access into the partners participating in the TPP. MERCOSUR Agreement to ensure that country of origin sugar is beet sugar and that the tariffs remain in place. Lobby members of parliament, senators and officials or provincial or foreign governments to lobby Canadian members of parliament, senators and officials to lobby the United States Administration and Congress on aspects of the draft Farm Bills which harm market access commitments given to southern Alberta sugar beet farmers in trade agreements and schedules going back to 1937 (World Trade Organization, North American Free Trade Agreement, General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs and so on). Lobby members of parliament, senators and officials on regulations needed or a legislative proposal, bill or resolution needed to implement a World Trade Organization agreement, regional or bilateral trade negotiations to ensure that southern Alberta sugar beet farmers receive market access benefits in trade treaties which are reciprocal to the benefits Canada has accorded to foreign sugar suppliers given access to the Canadian market. Lobby members of parliament, senators and officials on bills or resolutions, policy or programs and regulations that may attract biotechnology companies to invest in applications financially benefiting southern Alberta sugar beet farmers. Lobby members of parliament, senators amd officials on policies or programs needed to effect market access for southern Alberta sugar beet farmers received in World Trade Organization, regional or bilateral trade negotiations. International Trade Increasing the opportunities for export of Canadian Sugar to foreign markets while reducing the dumping of international sugar into the Canadian market. Free Trade Agreements to ensure that a quota of sugars tonnes imported to Canada does not increase. Encourage the development of a domestic sugar policy Climate Change- to ensure that the climate change strategy recognizes the important role agriculture can play in reducing green house gas emissions. Canadian Agricultural Partnership- to ensure the next agriculture policy framework addresses the needs of farmers.
BC Dairy Association
1Environment - BC Dairy seeks to engage the government in response to climate events that have impacted the agriculture sector over the past several years and coordinate Emergency Planning, Management & Response moving forward. International Trade- We have an interest in increasing resources for CFIA and CBSA to ensure compliance for imported products. One of the main pillars for the success of supply management (on which the dairy industry in Canada is based) is import control. International Trade – BC Dairy seeks the maximization of allowable permanent Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) allocated to Canadian dairy processors. International Trade - The dairy industry supports maintaining Canada's supply managed agricultural system. When market concessions occur in trade agreements, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), we seek federal government mitigation for impacts on dairy farmers. We ask that no domestic dairy market concessions are made in future trade agreements. Environment - We ask the government to support the continued introduction and adoption of clean energy and green technology on farms by providing existing and future sustainability programs with sufficient and ongoing funding. Consumer Issues - We ask that parliamentarians commit to protecting the current Standards of Identity for Dairy Products, which limit the use of dairy terminology and imagery to animal agriculture. In addition, we ask that these regulations continue to be enforced. Consumer Issues - The perceived quality and safety of Canadian dairy products versus that of imported goods is of paramount concern to the dairy industry. To this end, we have an interest in ensuring the integrity of the Product of Canada and Made in Canada logos by maintaining the current Canadian thresholds and continuing to transparently identify imported content on dairy products. Agriculture - We ask that Canadas suite of Business risk management (BRM) programs be reviewed and updated with a view to modernizing these programs to increase accessibility and provide optimum support to farmers and producers. Agriculture - BC Dairy is seeking to work with government to address the mounting challenges faced by dairy farmers to reduce production costs. Rising expenses for feed, labour, and other inputs continue to impact dairy farm business sustainability. Health - As per Canada's food guide, we encourage the public to consume milk to meet the daily dairy requirements of important vitamins and minerals. We seek for the inclusion of the latest scientific evidence about the nutritional value of dairy products within Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy on an on-going basis.
Canada Bread Company
1Ongoing regulatory issues related to our production and packaging of our baked goods, specifically in relation to the recyclability of plastic packaging used. Providing information regarding modernization of Canada Bread Company, Ltd. compliance program, consistent with Competition Act and related provisions. Gather information regarding regenerative agriculture strategy, productivity and subsidy/investment programs available for the agri-food sector.
Cereals Canada
1Support 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.
Dairy Farmers of Canada
1WTO (World Trade Organization) Negotiations on Agriculture as it relates to supply management. Use of Veterinary Natural Health Products in dairy livestock production - Veterinary Drugs Directorate of Health Canada. Trans fats, Saturated fats, Sodium and Sugar as it relates to dairy products, Food Guide recommendations and nutritional labelling. Traceability Under "Agricultural Partnership", the establishment of regulations for traceability. Collaborating with provincial and federal governments in the determination of private and public interests and in discussions with Ministers re government/industry share of costs. Research Under "Canadian Agricultural Partnership", the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food announced a research cluster, in cooperation with Dairy Farmers of Canada, worth $12M. Quality Milk Program - Implementation and administration of the Quality Milk Program under the Canadian On-Farm Food Safety Program of AAFC. Product of Canada consultations Dairy Farmers of Canada participated in federal government consultations on regulations pertaining to "Product of Canada". proAction - implementation and administration of the proAction program. Mitigation measures for Trade Agreements. Ingredients Industry stakeholders discussion on domestic ingredient strategy, pricing of components, marketing of ingredients. Involves discussions with the Canadian Dairy Commission. Implementation of Special Agricultural Safeguard for supply-managed products, dairy products in particular. Implementation of new tariff rate quotas for milk protein isolates as per GATT Article XXVIII, Amendment to Customs Tariff (tariff line 3504). Work with Finance Canada, AAFC and DFAIT on implementation and allocation of said TRQ. Implementation of a Grocers Code of Conduct. Guide for Food labelling and Advertising in respect of all dairy products and use of dairy terminology (modifiers, highlighted ingredients). Growing Forward. This is a federal-provincial agreement with oversight for many of our issues (Business Risk Management, Research, etc.) Food and Drug Act and its accompanying regulations as they apply to all dairy product compositional standards, in particular those on cheese and yogourt. Food and Drug Act and its accompanying regulations as it applies to the labelling and advertising of dairy products Federal framework and action plan on antimicrobial us and antimicrobial resistance. Explicit and implied Health Claims related to dairy and non-dairy products Ensure the appropriate allocation of the Tariff Rate Quotas under the Comprehensive Review of the Allocation and Administration of Tariff Rate Quotas for Dairy, Poultry and Egg Products. Discretionary Food Fortification policy of Health Canada. DFC has particular interest in the discretionary food fortification of non-nutritious foods and vitamin fortification of dairy products. Discretionary Food Fortification Governed by Food and Drug Act and the Agricultural Products Marketing Act. Development of the Code of Practice for the Care and handling of Dairy Cattle in cooperation with CFIA's activities in OIE (Organisation mondiale de la Santé Animale). Contribute to a Vision Exercise on the future of dairy with AAFC. Consultations on supplemented foods. Consultation on Vitamin D fortification. Climate Change / Environment Farm practices for greenhouse gas mitigation; documenting programs that exist provincially and federally that are available to dairy producers; promoting best management practices. Canadian Agricultural Products Act with respect to standards for ice cream and yogurt. Canada-EU Trade Agreement, CUSMA, CPTTP and Canada-UK. The components within these agreements that we are interested in are agriculture and protection/exemption of supply management. Canada's position on agriculture at the UN Food System Summit. Animal Health - development of the Animal Health Canada with CFIA and AAFC. Agriculture, Canadian Dairy Farming, and Supply Management issues in Bill C-282
Diageo Canada
1Trade policy as it relates to the import and export of spirits. Tax policy on alcohol related to the enabling environment and competitiveness of spirits (addressing the impact of the escalator excise tax on the alcohol industry). Interprovincial trade barriers related to spirits business. Environmental policy as it relates to the alcohol industry. Engaging with Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and Foreign Affairs on the WHO's (World Health Organization) Global Alcohol Strategy and actions undertaken by the industry in Canada to reduce harmful drinking.
PAA Advisory | Conseils
Food and Beverage Canada
1Canada-U.S. trade relations, including the implementation and administration of tariffs, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The United States Surtax Remission Order and the remission of tariffs on goods utilized in the manufacturing of food and beverage. Regulations Concerning Food Additives and Compositional Standards and the implications for food and beverage manufacturers. The Federal Plastics Registry and its impact on food and beverage manufacturing in Canada. Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act - and considerations around food safety and export diversification. International Trade: The provisions of the text of the USMCA as they relate to agriculture and agri-food, including tariff schedules, Tariff Rate Quotas, regulatory cooperation and measures related to non-tariff barriers. Tariff and non-tariff barriers with the United States. The pollution prevention (P2) planning notice for primary food plastic packaging, with respect to its impact on food and beverage manufacturers. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - with respect to amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the access of food and beverage manufacturers to various elements within the program. Support for the housing needs of temporary foreign workers and new Canadians. Science and Technology: Polices and programs to develop, maintain and adapt cybersecurity within the food and beverage processing sector Science and Technology: ISED policies and programs to promote innovation and technology adoption in the food and beverage processing sector Refugees - requesting resettlement programs for refugees Industry: The adoption of innovation in the food and beverage sector in the context of the Strategic Innovation Fund. Immigration: Enhancements to the Temporary Foreign Workers program and pathways to permanency for food and beverage processing labour. Health: Policies and regulations related to food and beverage products including the federal government's Health Eating Strategy, Front of Pack labelling regulations, Marketing to Children regulations, modifications to the Food Guide, modifications the Food and Drugs Regulations. Grocery Code of Conduct: Advocating for a mandatory and enforceable Grocery Code of Conduct for the food industry. Facilitating the entry into Canada of technicians required to maintain critical infrastructure Budget: Measures in annual federal budget to support food and beverage processing, including implementation of Agri-food Economic Strategy Table Report. Agriculture: Policies related to the food and beverage processing sector including: funding for industry research and development, implementation of Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations.
Grain Farmers of Ontario
1Tariffs on fertilizer coming into Canada The labelling provisions under Canada's Feeds Regulations 1983 (Regulations to the Feeds Act, administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). To ensure that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires the same labelling of imported soymeal as soymeal produced in Canada. Removal of the carbon tax on fuel used by farmers for drying grain Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Proposed changes to the Income Tax Act. GFO opposes the changes to the Act that impact farm businesses. Clean Fuels Standard regulations and how they work for farmers Canada's proposed policy that would establish an allowable amount of low level presence of Genetically Modified Organisms in imported grain. Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Policies related to the Clean Fuels Standard Canada's policy regarding Plant Breeders Rights legislation; specifically, the need for Canada to adopt the provisions of UPOV91 into the Plant Breeders Rights legislation. Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans.
NATURE CANADA
1United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-Kyoto protocol The Government of Canada is required to: prepare a Climate Change Plan; prepare a statement on GHG emissions; and ensure that Canada meets its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol The mission of the Green Budget Coalition is to present an analysis of the most pressing issues regarding environmental sustainability in Canada and to make a consolidated annual set of recommendations to the federal government regarding strategic fiscal and budgetary opportunities. Species at Risk Act The purposes of this Act are to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened as a result of human activity and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. Secured funding from Canadian International Development Agency Partnership Branch Funding for projects in the Americas Oceans Act WHEREAS Canada holds that conservation, based on an ecosystem approach, is of fundamental importance to maintaining biological diversity and productivity in the marine environment National Parks Act and Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act Maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes, shall be the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of parks and marine conservation areas. Migratory Bird Convention Act This Act and its complementary Regulations ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations by regulating potentially harmful human activities. Metal Mining Effluent Regulation Seeking regulatory change to strengthen processes by which the owner or operator of a mine can obtain the Government's approval to deposit a deleterious substance into a natural water body or a tailings impoundment area that is added to Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Great Lakes Fisheries Convention Act An Act to implement a Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between Canada and the United States Federal Marine Protected Areas sestablished under the Oceans Act to ensure the conservation and protection of species at risk and their habitats, the conservation and protection of unique habitats, and the conservation and protection of marine areas of high biodiversity or high biological productivity. Convention on Biodiversity To promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources Canadian Wildlife Act and Complimentary Regulations. The Act allows for the creation, management and protection of wildlife areas for wildlife research activities, or for conservation or interpretation of wildlife, seeking regulatory and legislative change to strengthen the prohibitions in the Act. Canadian Environmental Protection Act. CEPA regulates toxins and 'animate products of biotechnology'. We are seeking to ensure the Act adequately protects biodiversity from toxins and other harmful products. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to ensure that projects are considered in a careful and precautionary manner before federal authorities take action in connection with them, in order to ensure that such projects do not cause significant adverse environmental effects
Nature United
1Implementation 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.