SASKATOON—Four projects in Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry received a significant boost after the federal government announced Tuesday, Aug. 12, a $4.2-million investment aimed at further increasing interprovincial trade as the United States shifts its global trade agreements toward protectionism.
Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Eleanor Olszewski, announced on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) office that $4,201,298 will be allocated to fund various projects and programs to improve the province's agricultural production.
Business Scale-up and its Productivity and Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd. will receive approximately $2.1 million. Regional Innovation Ecosystems will be getting another $2,101,298, which will be split between its programs including GIFS at the University of Saskatchewan, $1,661,298; the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc., $420,000; and Ag-West Bio Inc., $20,000.
Olszewski said the investment will support expanded research and advance breeding capabilities for livestock and crops, as seen with GIFS’s grain bin manufacturing using Canadian steel products, while also increasing food processing opportunities and promoting value-added agriculture.
“As we navigate this new reality of tariffs and protectionism, Canada remains committed to leading and innovating in agricultural production. Companies and institutions like Ag-West Bio, GIFS, the Food Centre, and Venlo have demonstrated leadership in these areas, and they're ready to do more,” said Olszewski during her first official visit to the province.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the need for continued innovation, and that's why today we're celebrating our investment and partnerships with these various organizations because they'll boost capacity and create good jobs, advance our technical capabilities, encourage dialogue, and they will supply production in Canada.”
The federal government’s investment in Saskatchewan’s agriculture and food sector, aside from creating more than 30 new jobs and an estimated $51 million in commercialization revenues, is also a strategic move to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and strengthen the national economy. The investment is also expected to generate $7 million in export revenue.
Olszewski said unifying the Canadian economy by eliminating barriers would further increase interprovincial trade. Canada has faced challenges in the past due to regulatory differences. The federal government passed Bill C-5, or the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, to promote co-operation across the country.
“Prime Minister [Mark] Carney had several meetings with the first ministers to talk about precisely that. We have federal legislation that deals with interprovincial trade barriers as well. I think the provinces have collaborated very nicely,” said Olszewski, who believes several provinces signing partnerships reflects the collaborative spirit.
“There were memoranda of understanding between several provinces because they've already agreed to relax some barriers to interprovincial trade. I think we're making significant headway in that regard, and it's crucial to reduce trade friction and build a seamless Canadian marketplace.”
She added that Saskatchewan’s agri-food sector is ready to lead, as Canada’s food security and economic stability are priorities in the ever-changing global market and trade landscape, which is affected by tariffs imposed by President Trump on more than 100 countries as the United States becomes more protectionist with its America First message.
