Defending Farmers, Producers, and Resource Jobs

In Question Period, I raised serious concerns about the state of agriculture in British Columbia and the growing pressures facing farmers and producers, particularly in the Peace Region and across northern BC. I spoke to the cumulative impact of three consecutive years of drought, feed shortages, wildfire losses, and rapidly rising operating costs.

I also raised concerns about increasing federal enforcement actions, including those carried out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which are placing additional strain on poultry, cattle, pork, and small family farms. I questioned why, as producers face mounting financial stress and uncertainty, government attention and resources continue to be directed toward overseas travel, symbolic agreements, and trade discussions that have failed to protect Canadian farmers including in the face of ongoing tariffs on canola exports.

I asked the Premier what immediate steps the province will take to stabilize the agricultural sector, how British Columbia will respond to federal overreach affecting farm operations, and how the government intends to ensure that northern and rural families can continue to rely on locally produced food.

The response did not address these issues. Instead, attention was redirected to matters that were not raised, while key concerns around drought, enforcement actions, farm closures, and food security went unanswered.

Agriculture is at a critical point in this province. When family farms are forced out, food production declines, prices rise, rural communities weaken, and control shifts toward larger corporate operations. Ensuring a stable, resilient agricultural sector is essential to food security and to the long-term health of British Columbia’s economy and communities.

This is why I continue to raise these issues in the Legislature, to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and producers, and to push for practical action that protects food production, rural livelihoods, and the people who depend on them.

• Spoke to drought, wildfire losses, and feed shortages

• Questioned rising enforcement pressures on family farms

• Pressed government on food security and farm closures

Question Period

In this clip, I challenge the government in Question Period on the growing pressures facing farmers and producers, particularly in northern British Columbia and the Peace Region. I raise concerns about the cumulative impacts of drought, wildfire losses, feed shortages, and rising operating costs, while questioning why enforcement actions and regulatory pressure continue to increase at a time when family farms are already under severe financial strain.

I press the Premier on what immediate steps the province will take to protect food production, address farm closures, and ensure long-term food security for British Columbians. The lack of a direct response underscores why I continue to raise these issues in the Legislature—to give voice to rural communities and advocate for practical action that supports farmers, ranchers, and producers rather than pushing them out of business.

When family farms fail, food prices rise and rural communities weaken. Food security and economic stability depend on practical policy, not symbolic gestures.

I will continue advocating for farmers, ranchers, and producers and pressing for action that protects food production and rural livelihoods.