Sophie Beecher
Director General, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·19 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Breakfast Club of Canada
6Recherche de financement et un soutien du gouvernement fédéral accru pour assurer la réussite et la pérennité du Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel. Collaborer avec les différents paliers de gouvernement, le secteur privé et les organisations communautaires pour établir un modèle de partage des coûts durable qui soutient en priorité les enfants et les milieux qui font face à des obstacles à une alimentation saine. "Lorganisme défend et participe à la mise en uvre des lois, politiques et programmes de financement pour instaurer un Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel, pérenne, et renforçant les liens avec les systèmes alimentaires locaux. La vision du Club des petits?déjeuners est celle dun pays où tous les enfants ont accès chaque jour à des aliments nutritifs à lécole. Pour réaliser cette vision, lorganisme défend et participe à la mise en uvre des lois, politiques et programmes de financement pour instaurer un Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel, pérenne, et renforçant les liens avec les systèmes alimentaires locaux. Il collabore avec les différents paliers de gouvernement, le secteur privé et les organisations communautaires pour établir un modèle de partage des coûts durable qui soutient en priorité les enfants et les milieux qui font face à des obstacles à une alimentation saine. Un financement et un soutien du gouvernement fédéral accru sont indispensables pour assurer la réussite et la pérennité de ce programme.
Farmers for Climate Solutions
4Priorities for the next Agricultural Policy Framework, including resilience and stewardship as ways to drive on-farm profitability and support a thriving agricultural sector. Innovative government and private sector approaches to de-risking the adoption of new agricultural practices, including BMP/crop insurance pilots that provinces are rolling out as part of the current Agricultural Policy Framework. Government support for on-farm resilience in agriculture Government support for on-farm climate resilience as it relates to the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS). Government support for on-farm climate resilience related to pre-budget 2025 recommendations. Government support for environmental and climate action in Canadian agriculture, including the Agricultural Policy Framework and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
Government support for on-farm resilience in agriculture Government support for on-farm climate resilience as it relates to the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS). Government support for on-farm climate resilience related to pre-budget 2025 recommendations. Government support for environmental and climate action in Canadian agriculture, including the Agricultural Policy Framework and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
Fertilizer Canada
3Engaging with the federal government to support farmer-led initiatives that improve sustainability and fertilizer use efficiency across Canadian agriculture. This includes advancing voluntary, science-based programs such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) and working with government to improve data, support practical policy approaches, and ensure environmental goals are science-based and do not compromise agricultural productivity. Providing input on the development and implementation of climate and environmental policies related to fertilizer production, including industrial decarbonization frameworks such as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS), Emissions-Intensive Trade-Exposed (EITE) assessments, and related provincial programs. Advocating for policies and programs that support the development, production, and manufacturing of key fertilizer productsincluding nitrogen, potash, phosphate, and sulphurin Canada to enhance domestic production and ensure national food and economic security. Engagement with the federal government on issues affecting the international trade of fertilizer products, including policies related to market access, global competitiveness, and the secure and stable supply of fertilizer imports and exports critical to agricultural production. Engaging the federal government on the cumulative impact of fiscal and regulatory measures on the fertilizer industry in Canada. This includes climate and environmental compliance frameworks, investment tax credits, permitting timelines, and other policies affecting industry competitiveness. Providing input to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on the regulatory oversight of fertilizer products, including policies related to product approvals, labelling requirements, and the transportation, storage, and sale of fertilizer. Engaging the federal government on policy, regulatory, and infrastructure initiatives related to the reliable and efficient movement of essential crop input products throughout Canada and to international markets. This includes discussions on supply chain resiliency, transportation corridors, and trade-enabling infrastructure necessary to support domestic agriculture and international food systems. 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. 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
Seeking 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
Cereals Canada
2Support 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.
Telus
2Advocacy regarding pending CRTC review of Wireless Code Replacement Worker Legislation - TELUS is interested in legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute as it would hinder our ability to operate and provide ongoing service to customers. Providing input to the government for development of an anti-fraud strategy to create an integrated fraud takedown framework. Discussions regarding federal support for science and research talent development, with a focus on creating public-private partnerships that enhance education and training opportunities. These efforts aim to advance social good by increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in the digital economy and STEM sectors. Developing protocols for Canadas Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Advocacy for potential amendments to the Copyright Act, with respect to updating unclear regulation of Internet Service Providers. Advocacy regarding fibre-to-the-premises wholesale access; including discussions about TELUS' expansion and extended offerings. Advocacy regarding improving resilience and redundancy in TELUS network, including the potential to expand remote network connectivity and build out critical infrastructure in the North. Communicating with the government about how to support adopting digital tools in the agriculture sector. Advocacy concerning the development and implementation of national artificial intelligence policies, including but not limited to the Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and the AI Compute Access Fund. Informing officials about TELUS' plans to monetize passive infrastructure. Informing Federal officials about the risks posed by copper theft to public safety and telecommunications infrastructure, and advocating for enhanced collaboration between governments (provincial and federal) and industry to address this growing issue effectively. Advocating for stricter regulations around theft and damage of telecommunications infrastructure through Bill C-26: An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as relates to communications and data service providers obligations Regulatory environment affecting the Canadian wireless market, including regulatory framework with regard to the requirements around rural network infrastructure builds, the policy framework around spectrum auction rules and regulations on the purchase of existing Canadian wireless companies. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, with respect to streamlining regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunication industry. Policy framework with respect to the relationship between digital/wireless connectivity and climate policy. Policy Framework with regard to the terms and conditions of auction for Spectrum Licences Informing Federal officials around TELUS initiatives in the Health Care field and communicating the need for increased cooperation in developing next generation health care services between all levels of Government. Critical infrastructure and cyber security - protection of facilities, networks, technology, assets and systems. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission review of Basic Telecommunications Services Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadband Canada – Connect to Innovate program which is of interest to TELUS, with respect to advancing rural and remote network connectivity in Canada. Bills related to lawful access obligations that will have a direct impact on the Company from a financial and operational perspective, as well as impact on TELUS customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. As a supplier to the Government of Canada, TELUS regularly engages in di
Engage with government to raise awareness on copper theft and advance policy solutions. Raise awareness about Telus businesses. Spectrum policy framework as related to incumbent wireless carriers with respect to all technological and financial implications of proposed government policies. Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as relates to communications service providers obligations Replacement Worker Legislation - TELUS is interested in legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute as it would hinder our ability to operate our organization and serve our customers. Regulatory environment affecting the Canadian wireless market, including regulatory framework with regard to the requirements around rural network infrastructure builds, the policy framework around spectrum auction rules and regulations on the purchase of existing Canadian wireless companies. Proposed Digital Economy Strategies with respect to spectrum and environmental policy. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, with respect to streamlining regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunication industry. Policy framework with respect to the relationship between digital/wireless connectivity and climate policy. Policy Framework with regard to the terms and conditions of auction for Spectrum Licenses. Informing Federal officials around TELUS initiatives in the Health Care field and communicating the need for increased cooperation in developing next generation health care services between all levels of Government. Critical infrastructure and cybersecurity - protection of facilities, networks, technology, assets and systems. Copyright regulations and the Copyright Modernization Act with respect to the scheduled five year review. Communicating with the government about adopting digital tools in the agriculture sector. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission review of Basic Telecommunications Services Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadband Canada – Connect to Innovate program which is of interest to TELUS, with respect to advancing rural and remote network connectivity in Canada. Bills related to lawful access obligations that will have a direct impact on the Company from a financial and operational perspective, as well as impact on TELUS customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. As a supplier to the Government of Canada, TELUS regularly engages in discussions related approaches to reduce costs in the procurement of end-user devices, networks and associated support services and solutions.
University of Guelph
2Discussions regarding agri-food security research and infrastructure in relation to the National Food Security Strategy, national security and emergency preparedness. Policy development and funding for knowledge transfer and the commercialization of research through the FedDev program and investments in partnerships with the University of Guelph. Policy, programs and investments in science and technology research and innovation. Increased funding and program design for various programs administered by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canada Foundation for Innovation. Funding for youth mental health. Maintaining and enhancing federal student assistance and financial support programs. Funding to support university infrastructure, student housing, and other capital projects. Discussions regarding international education and policy changes to immigrationincluding academic and international student visa processesthat impact the Universitys students, faculty, and staff. Support for post-secondary education, research, innovation and science in the budget. Discussions regarding agriculture policy, talent development, innovation and research, technologies and infrastructure.
Canada Organic Trade Association
1Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, Part 13 Organic Products Regulations of the Seeds Act, regarding the needs and concerns of the organic sector, plant breeding and seed saving Regulations of the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, regarding the needs and concerns of the organic sector, plant breeding and seed-saving Regulations of the Pest Control Products Act, relating to the organic Permitted Substances List and organic pest control measures Regulations of the Fertilizers Act, regarding the review of organic fertilizers and allowable organic claims, relating to the implementation of the Organic Products Regulations Organic Products Regulations, regarding ongoing implementation and administrative policies Natural Health Products Regulations, relating to systems for natural health products that complement the Organic Products Regulations for food products and Canadian organic standards
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
1National 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
Canadian Wildlife Federation
1Proposed amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations with respect to The Regulations Amending the Pest Control Products Regulations (Strengthening the Regulation of Pest Control Products in Canada). Wildlife Policy for Canada with respect to the health and diversity of Canada's wildlife and ecosystems Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act with respect to the use of the act to control the movement of invasive species across provincial borders The Next Agricultural Policy Framework with respect to environmentally sustainable agriculture Species at Risk Act with respect to supporting research and projects focused on the recovery of species at risk, the implementation of SARA, Boreal Caribou recovery Public Outreach, raising awareness encouraging personal action, and connecting Canadians with nature programs with respect to implementing programs. This will include requesting funding from ECCC and Parks Canada for encouraging personal actions to conserve nature and reduce climate impacts. Oceans Act, Ocean Action Plan, Action Plan for Clean Water, Fisheries Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Canada Water Act, Proposed Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations with respect to water quality issues Ocean Protection Program with respect to implementation. This will include requesting funding from DFO for ocean and coastline habitat conservation. National Wildlife Disease Strategy in respect of diseases affecting wildlife National Wildlife Areas Act in regards to implementation National Conservation Plan with respect to input in the development of policy. National Animal Health Strategy in respect of wildlife and ecosystem health Migratory Birds Convention Act with respect to incidental take of migratory birds, bird conservation region plans, and effects of wind power on migratory birds Marine Mammal Response Program with respect to implementation. This will include encouraging funding from DFO for organizations that rescue entangled whales. Hinterland Who's Who Program with respect to implementation. This will include funding from ECCC to improve environmental literacy and awareness of Canada's wildlife. Green Infrastructure Program with respect to implementation and wildlife and habitat conservation. This will include requesting funding from ECCC for habitat conservation, restoration and help mitigate effects of climate change. Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway Plan 1958-D in respect to returning the seaway to a healthier and more biologically diverse ecosystem Fisheries Act with respect to implementation of the Fish Protection Program. This will include requesting funding from DFO for habitat conservation and restoration. FISHERIES ACT AMENDMENTS - Fisheries Act, in respect of habitat provisions, public access and public consultations Environmental Assessment Act with respect to potential impacts on fish & wildlife CRA policy with respect to political activities by charities; changes to policy or programs with respect to "B" Corps. Community Pasture Program with respect to wildlife and habitat conservation Climate Change: Action on Climate Change - Impacts & Adaptation Program with respect to mitigation and adaptation relating to climate change and its effects on wildlife and habitat. Canadian Conservation Corps and Wild Outside programs with respect to experiential environmental education and training . This will include requesting funding from ESDC. Canada Shipping Act with respect to the ballast water regulations for reducing aquatic species introductions Budget with respect to environment and wildlife conservation Biodiversity - Wildlife & Habitat Program with regard to implementation. This will include requesting funding from ECCC and DFO for habitat restoration and conservation. AQUACULTURE - Canada's policy for the Conservation of Wild Pacific Salmon, Fisheries Act and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in respect to deposit and accummulation of deliterio
Dairy Farmers of Canada
1Advocating for the publication of educational materials for farmers in relation to the requirements of the Feed Regulations. Advocating to improve the regulatory burden of the feed regulations on farmers. Advocating for a new Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition. Advocating that government mandate the application of a rural-agricultural and economic lens to the policy development process for any policy with implications for farmers and rural Canada. 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. Advocating for a health claim for yogurt and type II diabetes. Advocating for the adoption of the Digestible Indispensible Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) as Canada's official protein quality assessment methodology. Advocating for the protection of dairy standards of identity and compositional standards, and against the misuse of standardized dairy terms by non-dairy or lab-made products. Advocating for improved Canadian access to a wide range of critically needed veterinary healthcare tools to help improve animal welfare and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Advocating for increased federal livestock traceability requirements. Discussing dairy farmers' role in supporting the federal framework and action plan on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. Advocating for support to help farmers adjust to recent updates to the farm building code and freedom of movement requirements under the revised Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle. Collaborating with officials on the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery relating to animal health emergencies, such as disease events or natural disasters. Advocating that the government maintain funding for programs under the next Agricultural Policy Framework (e.g. programs that support on-farm sustainability and best management practices, research, disaster relief, outbreak mitigation, business risk management, etc). Advocating for exemptions from duplicative farm-level reporting requirements under Phase II of the Federal Plastics Registry. Advocating that the federal government maintain funding where possible and ensure continuity of dairy research and that no negative impacts occur to dairy research as a result of recent funding cuts. Advocating on the importance of maintaining programs and funding that support on-farm best management practices as we work towards our mutual sustainability goals. Advocating that the government take care to ensure no direct/indirect impacts to supply management or the functioning of the system occur as a result of any changes to facilitate interprovincial trade. Advocating that the government ensure the appropriate allocation of Tariff Rate Quotas under the Comprehensive Review of the Allocation and Administration of Tariff Rate Quotas for Dairy, Poultry and Egg Products. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations with ASEAN. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations with the United Kingdom. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations with Mercosur. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations with the U.S. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations at the WTO. Advocating for increased resources for CBSA and CFIA border enforcement of dairy regulations. This includes ensuring rigorous trade compliance of dairy imports to prevent circumvention of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) and upholding domestic standards for all imported dairy products.