Michelle Cooper

Advancing 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.

research 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."

Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. research 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. 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."

World 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s youth to strengthen Canada’s 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

Seek 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.

System Performance, Supply Chain Resiliency with respect to policies and programs that affect rail fright services and performance, port services and performance and other components of Canada's supply chain network that may affect shipment of agricultural commodities from Canada to export markets. Legislation Regulation with respect to rail freight services, port operation and services Labour Disruptions with respect to rail freight services, transloading services, and port operations. Canadian Agricultural Program ( CAP), Consultations with respect to scope and funding of Canadian Agricultural Program development and funding and support of Pulse Canada activities under this program Working to maintain and strengthen market access for Canadian pulses and special crops in China and India. Working to maintain and strengthen market access for Canadian pulses and special crops. World Trade Organization negotiations with respect to tariffs and subjects regarding pulses. The Canadian Food Aid Program with respect to Canadian government contributions tied to Canadian origination. Rail Freight Service Review. With respect to concerns and interests of the Canadian Special Crop Industry. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Morocco with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Japan with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-lateral trade agreement with European Union with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Dominican Republic with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreements with Trans-Pacific partnership with respect to tariff levels for Canadian Pulses. Food Labeling and Food & Drug Regulations with respect to the need for changes to food labeling related to the health benefits of pulses. Food and Drug Act with respect to the need for clearer regulations regarding the registration of novel food products and opportunities for health claims for foods to accommodate new research findings on the health benefits of pulses. Canada Grain Commission with respect to proposed changes to user fees for services. Canada's Food Guide with respect to representation of pulses within the guide and accuracy of information. Bill C-30, formally known as an Act to amend Canada Grain Act and Canada Transportation Act with respect to provisions that affect shippers

Raise awareness of the Canadian grains and oilseeds sector, our ability to contribute to the Canadian economy and share our sustainability story. Lobby for trade enabling solutions internationally on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of pesticides on grain. Lobby for grants related to cross-commodity market access activities in the grain sector Lobby for effective trade negotiations and enforcement provisions in key export markets, in particular as it relates to technical barriers to trade and regulatory cooperation Lobby for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation.

Support 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.