By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Speaking from a dairy farm on April 2 in Granby, François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance, unveiled a major Liberal plan to strengthen Canada’s agricultural sector, protect food producers, and safeguard supply management in the face of new U.S. tariffs expected to be announced by President Trump later that day.
Standing alongside Félix Dion, mayor of Shefford, and Marianne Dandurand, former tourism executive and Liberal candidate in Compton–Stansted, Champagne emphasized the central role agriculture plays in the Eastern Townships and across Canada.
“The strength of Canada starts in our fields,” said Champagne. “We’re here to protect what matters—our farmers, our food system, and our sovereignty.”
The new Liberal plan, announced on behalf of party leader Mark Carney, includes targeted measures to bolster Canada’s agri-food sector, particularly against anticipated trade disruptions. At the heart of the platform is a firm commitment to supply management.
“Let me be very clear,” said Champagne. “No matter the content of negotiations with the U.S. or any other country, we will never, ever accept any questioning of supply management. It is non-negotiable.”
According to a related press release, the plan includes:
• Making permanent the increased AgriStability coverage, doubling protection from $3 million to $6 million per farm;
• Establishing a $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund to boost local processing capacity;
• Injecting $30 million into the AgriMarketing Program to help Canadian products access new markets;
• Adding $30 million to the Agriculture Clean Technology Program to help producers modernize with greener equipment;
• Expanding the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act limit from $500,000 to $1 million and extending repayment terms to help young farmers access land and build operations.
The announcement took place amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy, with tariffs looming. Champagne acknowledged producers’ concerns and positioned the plan as a proactive response to economic turbulence.
“There may be short-term disruptions,” he said, “but I remain very confident that in the long run, Canada will come out stronger, more united, and more resilient.”
The family that runs Ferme Julio, the Delormes, were recognized during the event as an example of successful agricultural renewal and innovation. Their upcoming on-site fromagerie reflects a broader Liberal aim of supporting local production and processing.
Champagne underlined the strategic importance of food sovereignty, noting that nearly one in nine Canadian jobs is linked to agriculture. “Producing what we eat in Canada is not just economic—it’s about who we are,” he said.
During the press availability, reporters pressed Champagne on whether Canada had received details on the new U.S. tariffs. He declined to speculate, stating only that Canada is “ready for all eventualities” and committed to defending workers and industries.
On April 3, the U.S. officially imposed new tariffs on Canadian dairy and steel products, escalating trade tensions between the two countries. In response, the Canadian government announced it would implement “measured and targeted” countermeasures aimed at protecting key domestic sectors. According to reporting by CBC News, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that Canada “will not back down when our workers and industries are unfairly targeted,” and emphasized the government’s commitment to defending supply-managed sectors.
Asked about access to farmland for new farmers, Champagne at the event pointed to the increased loan guarantees as a critical tool to help the next generation. “The Delorme family is a perfect example,” he said. “Young people investing, transforming, and selling local—this is the future.”
Responding to a question on whether Mark Carney would be campaigning in the region, Champagne confirmed the Liberal leader’s strong ties to Quebec and said more visits were expected.
The press conference ended with thanks to the Delorme family and a promise: “We will defend our producers, support our workers, and build a stronger Canada—together.”