Modern advocacy isn’t about protest — it’s about partnership, strategy, and showing what works.
The fall political season in Ottawa promises to be a whirlwind of shifting priorities, tough trade negotiations, and fiscal restraint. Few understand the stakes better than Carla Ventin, owner of Mile26 Strategy, who works closely with industry organizations like the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) to navigate what comes next.
“We’re already seeing things ramp up,” Ventin says. “Several ministers’ offices contacted me in a single day to reschedule meetings. That tells me September is going to be super busy.”
When MPs return to Ottawa on Sept. 15, the calendar quickly fills: caucus meetings, cabinet deliberations, and the likely release of a federal budget in October. But the context is different this time.
“The government’s focus will be on economy, security, and sovereignty, under a strict fiscal restraint umbrella,” Ventin explains. “That’s where agriculture — and the seed sector — must prove it fits into Canada’s nation-building strategy.”
Trade Tensions: A Harder Road Ahead
The biggest shadow over the industry is trade. Ventin points to the looming July 1, 2026, deadline for the renewal — or possible renegotiation — of CUSMA, the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
“I was around for the 2018 negotiations on behalf of food manufacturers, and that looked hard back then,” she says. “It’s way harder and more unpredictable right now. Canadian agriculture is staring at another year of uncertainty.”
China adds another layer of unpredictability. “We don’t know what the U.S. will do, and we don’t know what China will do. That means more uncertainty in the meantime.”
Domestic politics are just as fraught. Pierre Poilievre’s return to Parliament, new Liberal MPs from urban ridings, and rookie ministers managing regulatory modernization all shift the dynamics, she says.
“The key is speaking with one voice,” Ventin stresses. “That’s what Canadians want, and it’s what we need when negotiating with giants like the U.S. and China.”
But she also flags risks that rarely make headlines — like the “thickening” of the Canada-U.S. border. “Unintended consequences of border legislation could slow shipments. And I’m concerned about how labour sentiment in Canada might impact access to temporary foreign workers. The mismatch between what farmers need and what Ottawa expects could be stark.”
Budget Belt-Tightening: Plant Breeding in the Crosshairs
Then there’s the budget. Departments have been told to find savings immediately, with more details expected in October.
“CFIA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada plant breeding programs are mission critical,” Ventin says. “But every program is under the microscope. If stakeholders don’t speak up about what works, they risk losing it.”
Her advice: advocacy now must be proactive and constructive. “Tell government what works. Do it in writing. And also suggest cost-saving measures — seed regulatory modernization is a perfect example of how industry can help government while helping itself.”
Rethinking Advocacy: From Protest to Partnership
In today’s environment, Ventin says advocacy can’t just mean reacting or protesting — it’s about being seen as part of the solution.
“Modern advocacy means engaging government as a partner. Every voice matters — whether that’s farmers talking to local MPs or cross-border conversations with U.S. producers. When Trump listens, he listens to farmers. That farmer-to-farmer dialogue is powerful.”
She also advises industry groups to focus. “Now is not the time for laundry lists. Be strategic. Frame asks around what’s already working or what saves the government money. And never forget: everyone needs food every day. Canadian seed is a national asset.”
