Governance in Canadian Agriculture

Abstract

AbstractThis paper discusses three broad topics in the development of agricultural and food policies in Canada over the past 150 years. They provide the historical backdrop for these policies in place today and the contorted path they have followed over the years. In some cases, the causes lie outside of agriculture and food, and outside of Canada while in others, the causes lie entirely within the constitutional framework for the agriculture and food industry. The first issue explores the changes in the federal–provincial–territorial relationship in policy constructs for agriculture. Equally, the internal trade arrangements within Canada are explored from this aspect. Tracing the origins of this issue requires exploration of the history, design, and interpretation of the Canadian constitution. The second issue traces the changing role of government in society and the economy and its impact on agriculture and food policy. These changes are not specific to Canada since several countries and international relationships were based on the evolving role of government in the economy and society and its implications for agriculture policy and institutions. The third topic discusses the role that trade and trade agreements have made in Canada's approach to agricultural and food policy development. The emphasis in this topic is on the policies of the past 30 or more years as international agreements began the slow process of liberalizing trade in agriculture and food products. All three of these broad topics are closely linked, providing a mosaic for the understanding of where we have been as a nation and the framework that has emerged today for the agriculture and food industry.