As Canada approaches a federal election with both leading parties pledging to cut government spending, a new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) is urging a strategic and transparent review of agricultural programs, not just for savings, but to maximize impact.
The report, Review, Restrain, Reset, explores how Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) can reassess programming by applying lessons from previous spending reviews in 1995 and 2012. Rather than framing cuts as a threat, CAPI advocates a methodical approach to ensure each dollar delivers results for farmers and the sector.
“This report really offers a fresh perspective on agricultural policy and spending,” says Elizabeta Lika, a senior researcher at CAPI. “It’s not just about how much we spend, but how we spend it—and whether that spending is actually solving problems.”
The report outlines a six-criteria test developed during past federal reviews. These filters ask whether programs address current needs, avoid duplication, use appropriate tools, and are being handled by the right level of government. The goal, Lika says, is to help policymakers and industry “make sure that the outcomes delivered through these programs are the outcomes that both government and the sector intend.”
Tyler McCann, CAPI’s managing director, says the report is a response to political and fiscal realities—not a call to slash staff or programs. “It’s not CAPI that’s putting this on the table,” McCann said. “The two leading candidates for prime minister have both committed to cutting government spending. This is going to happen.”
The report criticizes the federal government’s current involvement in certain areas, such as on-farm environmental programming, suggesting provinces are better suited to lead. Conversely, it identifies areas for increased federal investment, including trade, market access, and R&D—but with a focus on outcomes, not just dollars.
“We probably all have examples in agriculture where we’re not getting the impact we should be,” McCann added. “This is the time to fix that.”
CAPI’s authors hope to spark public dialogue before any top-down decisions are made. “These processes often happen behind the scenes,” said McCann. “Let’s bring them into the open—and make sure they work for farmers.”
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