Over the past four months, communities across Canada have voiced serious concerns about a recent decision by the Liberal government that will have a significant impact on the agricultural research sector, including the work done in Brandon and the Westman region.
In January, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food unveiled the Liberal government’s plan to shut down seven Research and Development Centres across the country. This included cutting 665 positions from various centres, including six scientific positions from the Brandon Research and Development Centre.
As the Member of Parliament for Brandon—Souris, I understand the vital role agricultural research plays in maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader and in ensuring we can continue to feed ourselves and the world. Cutting funding for research institutions risks undermining both our competitiveness and our long-term food security.
This is why I am taking action by launching a petition to the House of Commons. The petition calls on the Liberal government to prioritize the important agricultural research that is conducted across Canada, and to reverse its decision to close these research facilities and eliminate the hundreds of positions, including those in Brandon.
I invite you to use your voice, sign the petition below, so that I may rise on your behalf in the House of Commons to present your concerns in Parliament.
Please know that I will continue to protect agricultural research in Manitoba, and I appreciate your support.