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OTTAWA — The federal government has unveiled Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, promising billions of dollars in investments aimed at making food more affordable and strengthening the country’s domestic food supply.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the strategy Thursday, describing it as a response to rising food costs, global trade uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and climate-related pressures on food production.
The plan includes more than $3 billion in funding over the next decade and focuses on increasing competition in the grocery sector, expanding domestic food production and reducing barriers that increase costs for farmers, processors and consumers.
Among the measures is a $1-billion investment in food terminals and distribution hubs intended to help independent grocers access competitively priced products without relying on major retail chains. The federal government is also providing nearly $130 million to strengthen the Competition Bureau and Competition Tribunal’s ability to investigate anti-competitive business practices.
The strategy includes another $1 billion through Farm Credit Canada to help businesses expand food processing capacity, along with a $150-million fund to help small and medium-sized food producers upgrade equipment and increase production.
Ottawa is also investing $750 million to expand year-round production of fruits and vegetables through greenhouses, vertical farms and other indoor growing operations.
The government says it will also work to reduce regulatory delays across the agricultural supply chain and make it easier for food products produced in one province to be sold in another.
“Canadian farmers deserve more options to sell their produce, and Canadians deserve more options for where to buy their food,” Carney said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Alberta is introducing its own affordability measure aimed at helping residents cope with rising household costs.
The province’s new Alberta Energy Rebate will provide eligible Albertans with a $100 payment beginning July 1.
Premier Danielle Smith said the rebate is intended to return a portion of government revenues generated during a period of elevated oil prices.
To qualify, Albertans must be at least 18 years old, have filed a 2025 income tax return and have a household income of $225,000 or less.
Applications will open July 1 through an online provincial portal and remain available until Sept. 30.
The province defines a household as a single individual or two people who are married or in a common-law relationship. Adult children, roommates and other adults living at the same address but not in a spousal relationship are considered separate households and may each qualify for their own payment if they meet eligibility requirements.
Albertans receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, the Alberta Disability Assistance Program or Income Support will be automatically enrolled.
The rebate is not taxable and will not affect eligibility for provincial income-support programs.
The province estimates nearly 3.4 million Albertans will be eligible for the payment.
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