September 22, 2025 (OTTAWA) – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC), together with its six provincial and regional associations and members, wrapped up an intensive week of advocacy and engagement in Ottawa focused on advancing the priorities of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Over the course of the week, members of FBC-ABC’s Policy and Advocacy Committee and association partners met with more than 30 Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers’ offices, and senior officials. These discussions centered on:

• Concerns with Bill C-5 and its potential impact on food safety and access to export markets
• The urgent need to support the workforce by maintaining the 20% cap under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, extending expiring open work permits, and strengthening pathways to permanent residency 
• Addressing the regulatory burden that continues to challenge the industry’s competitiveness
• The importance of attracting investment and ensuring that the industry has the resources it needs to grow

“Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector and the largest manufacturing employer,” said Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food and Beverage Canada. “This week’s meetings were an important opportunity to underscore the industry’s vital role in Canada’s economy, food sovereignty, and communities.”

As part of the week’s activities, FBC-ABC:

• Coordinated member participation at the Liberal Economic Growth Caucus, at the invitation of the Honourable Kody Blois, to highlight the economic importance of Canada’s domestic food and beverage manufacturers.
• Held its fall Board of Directors meeting, which included a roundtable discussion with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson focused on attracting investment to the industry.
• Welcomed three new and returning Directors to the Board:
  • Sylvain Fournaise, Vice President, Food Safety, Quality Management and R&D, Olymel
  • Rod Kirwan, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Lantic Inc.
  • Kimberly Hare, Senior Counsel, Food & Industrial Ingredients (US/CAN), Ingredion
• Hosted its annual reception on Parliament Hill, bringing together members, MPs, officials, and industry leaders. AAFC Minister MacDonald attended the event, with opening remarks delivered by Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Kody Blois and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Sophie Chatel, both emphasizing the industry’s importance to Canada’s food security and economic growth.

FBC-ABC expresses its gratitude to the sponsors of the reception – Cargill, FCC, Beer Canada, Wine Growers Canada, Baking Association of Canada, and Fisheries Council of Canada – and to WOW! Factor Desserts and Viva Panettone for their delicious contributions to the evening.

“Collaboration between industry and government is essential to ensure Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry can thrive, grow jobs, and remain globally competitive,” added Mike Bannister, President and CEO, Atlantic Poultry Inc., and Chair of FBC-ABC’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to continuing these important conversations.

About Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC):
Food and Beverage Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s domestic food and beverage manufacturers. FBC-ABC works with members, provincial and regional associations, and government to advance policies that support a competitive industry that provides safe, high-quality food for Canadians and global markets.

Media contact:
Kristina Farrell
CEO, Food and Beverage Canada
613-322-9235