Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, as you know, Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture held their annual meeting at the beginning of November. During these discussions, the ministers agreed on a vision that seeks to position our producers, processors and others within the sector for continued success as world leaders in sustainable agriculture and enable a globally competitive sector.

This sounds like a good first step forward. However, agriculture has too often been treated as an afterthought. Most recently, your government failed to mention agriculture even once in November’s Speech from the Throne. Despite this, our agricultural and agri-food communities have continued to display their resounding strength and resilience, time and time again, through policy and trade disputes, and climate change crises. Even in the toughest of times, our farmers have continued to feed families in Canada and around the world. They are stewards of our environment and the backbone of our nation.

Senator Gold and honourable colleagues, I am confident that agriculture will be a key driver in Canada’s post-pandemic recovery if they are properly supported not only by words, but by actions and funding. Senator Gold, is your government willing to finally commit to providing adequate support to ensure the Canadian agriculture industry is able to grow and innovate so they can continue feeding not only Canadian families, but also families around the world?