July 17, 2026 (Toronto, ON) — Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) welcomes the Halifax Statement and the direction it sets for the Next Policy Framework (2028 to 2033). As the voice of Canada's largest manufacturing sector, the companies that turn close to 40 percent of the country's agricultural output into everyday food, health, and consumer products, we see our members' priorities reflected in its focus on competitiveness, innovation, and resilience.

We are especially encouraged by Ministers' recognition of agri-food as an advanced manufacturing sector and their commitment to reducing red tape, accelerating reviews through trusted regulatory partners, and applying an economic lens to regulation. These are reforms FHCP has long championed, and acting on them would help manufacturers invest and scale while giving consumers more choice at better value. We share the same focus on trade stability, where a timely, predictable CUSMA renewal is essential to the integrated supply chains our members rely on, and we support work to cut internal trade barriers, sustain the agricultural streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and advance the Grocery Code of Conduct.

"Ministers have recognized what our sector already knows: Canada's food and consumer products manufacturers are an economic engine, and the right policy environment lets them do more," said Michael Graydon, CEO of FHCP. "We're ready to help turn the Halifax Statement into a framework that rewards investment, cuts cost, and keeps Canada competitive."

FHCP looks forward to contributing to the fall consultations on the Next Policy Framework.