Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Madawaska—Restigouche.
I thank all members of the House for their shared commitment to food security and to Canada's farmers and food processors.
Our new government is committed to ensuring that prices remain affordable for Canadians. It has made this a top priority. In the face of unprecedented and unfair trade threats, we are working hard to strengthen and grow Canada's economy and jobs, for the benefit of all.
As the Prime Minister said, we are working to build the strongest economy in the G7. Agriculture plays a very important role in this regard. It is time for our agriculture and agri-food sector to get the credit it deserves as an important driver of our economy. In fact, when we look at the agricultural and agri-food system as a whole, we see that it is an economic powerhouse. This sector employs 2.3 million people, creates one in nine jobs, generates more than $100 billion in exports, and contributes $150 billion to the GDP. A strong agriculture and food sector that puts Canada first is essential to Canadians' food security and the affordability of the prices they pay.
This is the time of year when farmers are very busy. In fields and on farms across Canada, it is harvest time. Every day across our great country, nearly 200,000 farmers and their family members are out in their fields and barns well before sunrise, working hard to put fresh, nutritious food on our tables. Together, they have helped establish Canada as a global leader in sustainable food production.
In 2024, Canada was the world's fifth-largest exporter of agri-food and seafood products. Our food processors also play a vital role. They are our farmers' biggest customer, purchasing more than 40% of Canada's agricultural production for domestic processing, while creating more jobs than any other manufacturing sector in the country. There is incredible potential on the horizon for our world-class food and agricultural products, potential that could help support global food security.
The hon. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food brings an economic and competitive perspective to agriculture and food. We want a food system that is strong, affordable and resilient for Canadians and that supports our world-class farmers and processors. All in all, we are working to expand and strengthen our trade relations with key markets; unlock Canada's potential by reducing red tape; and invest in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. We are strengthening trade with our existing customers, while opening up new opportunities in sectors with high potential. Our farmers and processors provide consumers around the world with the best agricultural and food products available, while supporting the Canadian economy.
A strong and prosperous agriculture and food sector means a more resilient food system for Canadians. A few weeks ago, the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers met to discuss the next agricultural policy framework and advance collaborative efforts in support of a resilient, sustainable and competitive agricultural sector. Throughout the conference, discussions focused on ensuring that business risk management programs are sustainable and reflect the needs of producers.
We are actively seeking new international opportunities while working to resolve issues around access to other key markets. It is also important to note that we are building a united Canadian economy thanks to improved domestic trade. I would add that the Government of Canada made regulatory changes that ceased the application of the fuel charge in effect since April 1, 2023. Thanks to these changes, charges on fuel destined for the agricultural sector are now fully exempt from the federal price on pollution.
We also know that sustainable food packaging is a priority for consumers, along with affordable food. That is why Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada, in partnership with the food industry, to gain a better understanding of food packaging approaches that reduce the use of plastic while limiting the impact on the food industry or consumers.
I would like to take a moment to talk about the food policy for Canada and one of our flagship initiatives: the local food infrastructure fund.
Over the past five years, the fund has committed $71 million to nearly 1,200 projects to improve food security across Canada, including more than 250 projects in indigenous communities, or about 40% of total funding. These projects included community gardens, greenhouses, walk-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers, as well as refrigerated vehicles for transporting and distributing food. We have invested nearly $63 million over three years in renewing and expanding this program to help community organizations across the country invest in local food infrastructure.
The food policy for Canada also recommended a national school food program. We are investing $1 billion over five years, which should allow us to provide meals to some 400,000 children every year. The program is expected to save the average participating family with two children up to $800 per year in grocery costs, with low-income families benefiting the most. The program connects schools to local food organizations, while creating opportunities for farmers, food processors and harvesters across Canada.
Most importantly, the program will allow kids to be kids and will relieve parents of some of the pressure they are under. Our $1‑billion investment includes over $20 million for the first-ever school food infrastructure fund. Investments made through this fund help ensure that organizations have the equipment and infrastructure they need to produce, store and distribute safe and healthy food to school children across the country. It is truly a community-based approach. Funds will go directly to nonprofit organizations. They, in turn, will direct them to local organizations that know better than anyone else what their community needs, whether it be kitchen suppliers or delivery vans to transport food to schools. This funding will help cover some of the infrastructure costs.
Other measures have been taken since the beginning of this period of global economic fluctuation. At the end of last year, we passed the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act in the House. This legislation allows the Competition Bureau to move forward with its investigations into the use of anti-competitive restrictions, known as property controls, by large retailers. Ultimately, the Competition Bureau's work will lead to healthier competition in the food retail sector.
Statistics Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have also developed the food price data hub. This is a new all-in-one tool that consolidates existing data to make it easier for Canadians to get an overall snapshot of food prices and trends. It includes average retail prices, staple food items, a personal inflation rate calculator, and other tools that allow Canadians to verify the accuracy of prices at the checkout.
In conclusion, food security is a concern both globally and locally. We must continue to support and invest in farmers, hunters, gatherers and processors, as they are essential to Canada's economy and food security.