Canadian chicken farmers advocate for sector’s sustainability and security in Ottawa

OTTAWA, Ontario — Chicken farmers from across Canada, represented by the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), convened in Ottawa for Chicken Farmers of Canada’s (CFC) Spring Lobby Day, engaging with key policymakers to reinforce the importance of a robust and secure domestic chicken supply chain.

In a series of meetings with Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Senators, participants conveyed a message of dedication to providing safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken for Canadian consumers. Government officials reaffirmed their support for supply management and the Canadian chicken supply chain, bolstering the farmers’ efforts.

Scott Buchan, CFC Alternate Director and CFO Director for District 8, expresses gratitude to government representatives for their engagement: “Thank you, Members of Parliament and Senators, for taking the time to speak with chicken farmers across Canada about how we can work together to ensure Canadians can continue to have access to Canadian chicken that is raised with the highest standards of food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare.”

Industry representatives highlighted supply management’s role in bolstering domestic food security and maintaining consumer confidence during the discussions, with participants noting strong cross-party support for the approach.

Representatives from CFO seized the opportunity to address specific issues affecting the province, including the economic impact of the Canadian chicken sector, concerns regarding recent trade agreements, combating illegal imports, and advocated for a Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Animal Care recognition protocol.

Murray Opsteen, Chair of CFO, emphasizes the importance of alignment with Chicken Farmers of Canada on shared priorities: “The Canadian chicken sector is strongest when we are united on shared priorities. Working closely with Chicken Farmers of Canada to have aligned priorities is critical to the success of our sector.”