Federal government defends closure of seven research facilities
The plan would eliminate about 665 jobs and phase out closures at multiple agricultural research sites after a parliamentary committee urged a reversal.
- On Sept. 23, the federal government confirmed it will proceed with closing several Agri-Food Canada research centres, rejecting a Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food recommendation to reverse the decision.
- AAFC initiated these closures earlier this year as part of a structured expenditure reduction process, citing departmental analysis of infrastructure costs and long-term operational requirements while maintaining its core mandate.
- Facility closures span Lacombe, Guelph, Quebec City, and satellite farms in Nappan, Scott, and Indian Head, eliminating about 665 jobs across the country in 2026.
- National President Milton Dyck of the Agriculture Union warned the move turns backs on 3 million Canadians relying on CFIA lab research in Longueuil, calling the government's response inadequate.
- Conservatives called the decision "a betrayal of Canadian producers and a threat to food security," while Phil Mount, Vice President of Policy of the National Farmers Union, warned long-term field trials at these sites are irreplaceable scientific assets.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Federal government won't reverse course on research centres
The federal government has denied a request to overturn its decision to close the Lacombe Research and Development Centre along with others across the country. The government responded on Sept. […]
Federal government defends closure of seven research facilities
OTTAWA - The federal government will not reverse a decision to close several agricultural research facilities across the country, a move the opposition Conservatives are calling a threat to Canada's food security.
Federal government won't reverse course on research centres - Farm Press Media
The federal government has denied a request to overturn its decision to close the Lacombe Research and Development Centre along with others across the country. The government responded on Sept. […]
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