The Impact of Bill C-293 on Canadian Livestock Producers and Consumers: A ‘Vegan Act’ with Far-Reaching Consequences

 Bill C-293, known as the “Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act,” seeks to create a framework for improving Canada’s ability to prevent and manage pandemics has drawn intense criticism from fellow Canadian livestock producers.  Many have started referring to the bill as the "Vegan Act." Critics argue that the bill pushes a plant-based agenda by singling out animal agriculture, creating potential risks for not only the livestock industry, but food security in general without adequate consultation.

Lack of Stakeholder Consultation

One of the most contentious issues is that Bill C-293 was pushed through the House of Commons and now sits under the second reading at the Senate without sufficient consultation from key stakeholders. This includes livestock producers, provincial governments, and representatives from rural communities. Many in the agriculture industry feel blindsided, saying they were given little input into a bill that could dramatically impact their livelihoods and the Canadian food supply. This lack of transparency has fueled frustration among producers who believe that a thorough consultation process could have produced a more balanced bill​.

Concerns of Bias Against Animal Agriculture

Critics argue that the bill’s language demonstrates a clear bias against animal agriculture. Livestock producers point to clauses that label livestock operations as “high-risk” for pandemics and contributors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), despite the fact that AMR requires multi-sector collaboration. Industry leaders argue that these provisions unfairly paint livestock as a primary public health threat, ignoring the sector’s ongoing commitment, standards and practices to antimicrobial stewardship. Industry representatives emphasize this targeted approach does not acknowledge livestock agriculture’s essential role in Canadian food security nor their significant role in the Canadian economy​.

 Threat to Grassland Conservation and Biodiversity

By imposing restrictions on livestock production, Bill C-293 could unintentionally harm Canada’s grasslands and biodiversity. Livestock producers manage approximately 28 million acres of native grasslands, a sensitive and critical ecosystem that sequesters carbon and supports numerous species, including numerous species at risk. Canada has already lost over 80% of these native grasslands and continue to lose nearly 150 000 acres per year to cultivation and development.  If Bill C-293 jeopardizes the financial viability of livestock production, it will then lead to further cultivation of these remaining native grasslands and negatively impact the biodiversity they sustain​.

Potential Disruptions to Food Security

A further concern is the bill’s provision allowing for the closure of “high-risk” facilities during a health crisis, which could disrupt Canada’s food supply chain. Without clear criteria, such closures could be arbitrarily applied to livestock operations, destabilizing food supply and driving up costs for consumers. In a time of rising food prices, Canadians rely on stable, affordable protein sources, and Bill C-293 could undercut this security by threatening the future of Canadian beef, pork, and poultry production.

A Call for Collaboration

Livestock industry leaders are urging the Senate to rethink the bill's framework and engage directly with agriculture stakeholders. However, all stakeholders including consumers need to be aware and voice their concerns to the bill. We need to be equally represented to develop a comprehensive plan that is best for all Canadians. Please contact your MP and MLA to voice your concerns.

Final Thoughts

Bill C-293 poses significant challenges for Canadian livestock producers, from potential regulatory redundancy to biases that favor plant-based proteins to subjective measures to shut down both on farm operations as well as butchering facilities. By acknowledging the important contributions of ranchers to food security, public health, and environmental sustainability, policymakers can create a balanced approach to pandemic preparedness. Equitable treatment, respect for existing biosecurity measures/standards, and recognition of the environmental role grasslands play are essential to fostering resilience without sabotaging Canada’s livestock industry.