Cutting Agricultural Research a Risk Canada Can’t Afford

Lethbridge Member of Parliament Rachel Thomas expresses concern over AAFC cuts.

Agricultural researchers in Canada are faced with a major shift in 2026. During a time of climate crisis and economic uncertainty, the federal government stated that research stations in Quebec City, Guelph Ont., and Lacombe Alta. will be closed.

On April 29th, Lethbridge Member of Parliament Rachel Thomas urged the federal government to reconsider these decisions. In a letter to The Honourable Heath McDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Thomas argued that these closures “risk weakening our agricultural sector at a time when global food systems are under strain and national food security is more important than ever.”

Agricultural research relies on regional perspectives and solutions. Closure of the northern-most agricultural research centre in Lacombe represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the processes surrounding agricultural research. Thomas asserts that local stations “provide practical, locally relevant solutions that help producers manage risk, improve productivity, and adapt to ongoing challenges.”

The full letter can be read here: Letter re. Research Stations Minister McDonald_042926.pdf