Nicole Howe
Executive Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·18 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Cereals Canada
9Support 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.
Celiac Canada
4Lobbying to advocate for a refundable tax credit for persons diagnosed with Celiac.
Pathway Group
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
3Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canadas borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and
Federated Co-operatives
3As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: discuss issues related to Pharmacy sector in Canada. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Fertilizers Act and Regulations - in respect of labelling requirements for bulk shipments. Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) This regulation is of significant impact to our business. We are concerned there will be insufficient implementation time; design must be flexible; federal/provincial harmonization. Climate change principles As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Canadian Co-operatives Act – in respect to review and changes to the Act, understanding by the federal government for specialized co-op development programs that will help start and grow new and existing co-ops with specific sectors or populations and a viable business model. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act – in respect to rail and truck transportation of products and appropriate classification and stewardship of products. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Safe Food for Canadians Act and Food & Drug Act & Regulations - in respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Including food commodities (fruit & vegetables, grains & oilseeds), including their inspection, their safety, their labelling, and advertising, and their import. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Feeds Act – in respect to possible amendments and policy interpretations. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Federal Budget – in respect to providing resources for environmental initiatives, including climate change, renewables, fiscal policy, investing in water and wastewater infrastructure, pollution abatement and enforcement. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Clean Fuels Standards and Climate Change Principles. FCLs actions to reduce carbon footprint through waste diversion activities and the reduction of emissions, etc. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Chemical Management Plan – in respect to assessment of chemicals in commerce in the coatings industry and risk management initiatives to mitigate harm to human health and ecological systems. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Canada Customs Act & Regulations - in respect of establishing & implementing appropriate enforcement mechanisms and policies which affect the movement of products. As it pertains to the oil and gas industry, food/home and building supply/crop supplies/feed retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing industries: Agriculture Policy Framework/Growing Forward – in respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain for the Canadian marketplace and the ability to trace products for the food retailing industry along the supply chain.
Canadian Beekeepers Federation
2Concerns related to policies of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency related to restricting imports of bee packages from the US and not properly restricting bee imports from other countries.
Syngenta Canada
2Transformation of Pest Management Regulatory Agency and various working groups Technical Working Group as it applies to North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group on pesticide regulation and harmonization Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Species at Risk Act and regulations with regard to habitat protection Seeds Regulations and related guidance on what types of plant products are subject to pre-market assessment. Science and technology as it applies to innovation and investment initiatives in Canada for private sector Pre-budget submissions with regard to developing and strengthening rural economies, increasing Canadian innovation and expanding/improving agricultural trade Pest Control Products Act with regard to intellectual property rights and cost recovery Pause of increase to and review of maximum residue limits International Trade as it applies to nontariff trade barriers in the Agricultural and food area in the Pest Control Products Regulations and Health Canada Policies Intellectual property as it applies to inventions, innovation and proprietary products tied to agriculture Health Protection Act and regulations with regard plant protection novel foods. Food and Drug Act as it applies to crop protection maximum residue limits and novel foods as regulated and labelled Establishing of a Water Agency and the opening of the Water Act. Environment policy with regard to agriculture and the National Agri-environmental Indicator Program Canadian Environmental Protection Act as it applies to plant agriculture and its input products related to biotechnology Agriculture policy with regard to plant protection, biotechnology and plant breeding
Learn more about the Government of Canada's climate initiatives, position, and involvement as an attendee of the international Conference of Parties (COP): United Nations Climate Change Conference. Share insights on how artificial intelligence tools for the agricultural sector can support Canada's farmers and agri-food sector, including through advancing sustainable farming practices, optimizing crop efficiency, and forecasting conditions that may impacts crop yields. Learn about the Government of Canada's policies and approaches to the supply chain, transportation, and labelling of crop protection products that supports Canada's agriculture sector. Learn more about the federal government's programs, initiatives, and partnerships that include interaction with other countries to best support Canada's agriculture sector. To request that the Government of Canada extend, in accordance with the Pest Control Products Act under Article 21 (3), the implementation timeline of Health Canadas Re-evaluation Decision RVD2021-04, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Its Associated End-use Products (the Decision) which cancelled the use of this product for feed, while maintaining it for food. The implementation extension period should be sufficient to allow grains produced from crops treated with lambda-cyhalothrin in 2023 and previous years to be used as both food and feed and to be marketed in the years to come. A realistic and reasonable extension timeframe is necessary to provide certainty to growers and agri-business on what constitutes regulatory compliance in 2023 and beyond. To advocate for a federally funded national water monitoring program that includes the measuring of environmental and climates outcomes, as well as risk assessment. This program should support regulatory decisions and assist Canada in achieving its environmental and biodiversity goals and targets. Learn more about the government's research, innovation, and new technology development priorities and supports in the agriculture sector. Learn more about the federal government's programs and initiatives that include interaction with the provinces to best support Canada's agriculture sector. International Trade as it applies to nontariff trade barriers in the Agricultural and food area in the Pest Control Products Regulations and Health Canada Policies Increase long-term and targeted federal funding to help farmers adopt green technologies and sustainable practices that will support an environmentally responsible agriculture and food growing sector.
Capital Hill Group
Azure Sustainable Fuels
1Advocate for the development of a Canadian Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry.
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (also known as Humane Canada)
1Bill C?34, the Safe Social Media Act with regards to adding provisions addressing the growing creation and distribution of animal cruelty and torture imagery online. Discussing Marineland's remaining beluga whales and other cetaceans Asking the new government to support improved or enhanced protocols for farmed animal welfare in Canada Asking the new government to bring back the animal protection bills of the 44th Parliament including: Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to amend other related Acts. Discussions about issues related to animal abuse in coercive behaviour and gender-based violence Policy regarding the addition of pet inclusive housing in the proposed Renter's Bill of Rights Transportation of Animals Regulations, with respect to enforcement. Working with senior policy advisors at Agriculture Canada and Transport Canada on changes to regulations impacting farm animals Consultations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with regards to the importation of dogs and puppy mills Consultations with Public Safety Canada on Animals in Emergency Management Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) with regards to Part 5 (Controlling Toxic Substances) and development, validation and adoption of non-animal methods
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
Dairy Processors Association of Canada
1Ensuring a consistent, national approach to inspection of processing plants and regulatory compliance of the Canadian Food inspection Agency Maintaining funding for programs under the next Agricultural Policy Framework (e.g. programs that support sustainability, emergency management, regulatory reform, etc). Discussing Health Canada's next steps around the regulation of foods derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer clones and their offspring, and any implications for dairy farmers. Collaborating with officials on the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery relating to animal health emergencies, such as disease events or natural disasters. Implementation of a Grocery Code of Conduct by industry. Federal Food Security Immigration Stream: Advocating for a dedicated program for food processors employing foreign nationals who arrive to fill permanent, year-round positions and who have the intention of becoming permanent Canadian residents. Proposed Regulatory Framework for Recycled content and labelling rules for plastics. Proposed policy on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children. HEALTH OF ANIMALS REGULATIONS - regarding proposed amendment of the humane transport requirements. FOOD AND DRUG REGULATIONS -- regarding dairy standards of identity and labelling. DAIRY POLICY -- role and responsibilities of Canadian Dairy Commission and the Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee. Components of Health Canadas Healthy Eating Strategy. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regulatory Modernization Initiative with respect to food safety. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Labelling Modernization Initiative with respect to food. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Guidelines for Labelling of Highlighted Ingredients and Flavours with respect to clarity. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Inspection Modernization Initiative with respect to food safety and consistent delivery. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Feed Regulatory Renewal, project to modernize the Feed Regulations. Canadas trade policy and Tariff Rate Quota allocation and administration regarding dairy products.