Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald: Supply Management Non-Negotiable in Trade Talks

KCJ Media Group Ltd.

In May 2025, Canada's newly appointed Agriculture Minister, Heath MacDonald, affirmed the federal government's support for the nation's supply management system, which regulates the production and importation of dairy, poultry, and eggs.

This declaration comes amid escalating trade tensions with both China and the United States. China has imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports, including canola, peas, pork, and seafood, while the U.S. maintains tariffs on steel and aluminum—materials vital to Canadian agriculture.

Despite these challenges, MacDonald emphasized that Canada's supply management system is "off the table" in any trade negotiations, underscoring its importance to the country's agricultural sector and rural communities Reuters

The minister's stance aligns with the intent of Bill C-282, a legislative proposal aimed at preventing future trade agreements from compromising Canada's supply-managed sectors.

Although the bill faced hurdles in the Senate and was ultimately shelved due to parliamentary prorogation, it highlighted the significant influence of the dairy, poultry, and egg industries in Canadian politics. The Guardian