| From the NCI Chair ~ March 12, 2026 “Are Farmers Safe in Canada?” Fellow Canadians, The three days of hearings in Kelowna brought forward testimony that was often troubling, yet also deeply revealing. Over the course of these hearings we witnessed the courage, conviction, and resilience of Canada’s farming community as they spoke openly about the realities they face. After two days of testimony examining the question Are Farmers Safe in Canada?, ostrich farmer Katie Pasitney captured the sentiment expressed by many witnesses when she asked a simple but powerful question: How does any of this make sense? Witness after witness described regulatory actions and policies that, in their experience, lacked transparency, scientific integrity, and common sense. Much of the testimony focused on the actions of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the profound consequences its decisions can have for farmers, their animals, and their livelihoods. Kelowna lawyer Lee Turner presented science-based evidence from respected researchers concerning the failure to conduct testing on the culled ostriches in Edgewood, British Columbia. The testimony made clear that such testing could have provided conclusive evidence to justify the state’s actions. Instead, evidence was presented showing that no such testing was carried out before the birds were destroyed. The testimony did not leave the impression of a process guided by evidence, but of decisions made in its absence. We also heard that the destruction of livestock in Canada is not uncommon. What made the ostrich case unusual was not the event itself, but the public attention it received. The testimony was clear that many farmers endure the destruction of their animals and livelihoods in silence, often fearing reprisal from the same body responsible for ordering the destruction and administering compensation. Teresa Walker spoke movingly about the psychological toll such events take on farmers. She described the guilt that can remain when a farmer feels unable to protect the animals entrusted to their care. She also spoke of the wider emotional burden carried within agricultural communities, including concerns about suicide among farmers. The seriousness of this issue is reflected in the existence of organizations dedicated to supporting farmer mental health, including the National Farmers Mental Health Alliance, the National Farmer Crisis Line, and the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing. John Graff reminded us of something that governing bodies too often fail to understand: for farmers, this is not simply a job. It is their life’s work. These are men and women who understand that the lives of their animals depend on them. They are willing to sacrifice comfort and endure overwhelmingly challenging temperatures, and go out into harrowing conditions to protect and care for the creatures and the land entrusted to their care. They do so not because it is easy, but because they understand stewardship as a responsibility. Even in difficult times, truth has a way of coming into the light. What is revealed may be painful, but it is also necessary. The testimony presented over these three days now forms part of the public record. I encourage Canadians to watch the recordings and weigh the evidence for themselves. If we are to preserve our farmers and protect the integrity of our food supply, the responsibility cannot rest with institutions alone, particularly institutions that lack direct experience with the realities they are charged with regulating and protecting. And even when the path ahead appears uncertain, there remains good reason for hope. Truth does not lose its force because it is resisted, and justice is not diminished because it is delayed. In the end, we are called to remain faithful to what is right, trusting that goodness is not lost in the hands of God. Listening to Canadians. Examining the evidence. Building the public record. With gratitude,  |
Freedom Rising Friday Meetings
March 12, 2026
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