Conservatives Call On Liberals To Respect Our Scientists
OTTAWA, ON — John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, issued the following statement in response to the Liberal government’s decision to shut down critical agricultural research sites across Canada:
“After spending more than $19 billion last year on consultants, the Liberal government is now claiming it has no choice but to shut down agricultural research facilities and fire scientists and researchers. These closures target long-standing agricultural research centres that have provided producers with essential crop, soil and livestock research that directly supports on-farm success. This is yet another clear demonstration of the Liberal government’s inability to set responsible priorities.
“These cuts come as the Liberal Agriculture Minister announced $300 million in climate funding last year. At the same time, the Liberal government allocated $8 million for ‘gender-just, low-carbon rice in Vietnam’ and $22 million for ‘Beans for Women for Empowerment’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is clear the Liberals prioritize political agendas over the scientists doing real work in the field.
“Agricultural research sites play a vital role in advancing innovation, improving productivity, protecting plant and animal health and helping farmers adapt when necessary. Shutting them down weakens Canada’s agricultural competitiveness and reduces the support available to producers at a time of rising costs and increasing risk.
“These closures reflect a broader and troubling pattern: Liberals choosing lobbyists over lab coats, consultants over scientists and ideological agendas over the realities of agriculture.
“This decision directly undermines Canada’s food security. Domestic agricultural research is essential to keeping Canadian food affordable and secure, especially in times of global uncertainty.
“Just recently, Prime Minister Carney warned that ‘a country that cannot feed itself, fuel itself or defend itself has few options’. At the same time, his government is dismantling the foundations of Canada’s ability to feed itself – highlighting the disconnect between Liberal rhetoric and reality.
“Conservatives know that Canadian farmers, rural communities, and families deserve a government that puts agricultural science and food security ahead of its politics.”