I also want to acknowledge the hard work done in the provinces to ensure continuity in their respective regions. These are unprecedented times, and our industry is stepping up.

Like you, I am concerned for the well-being of my family members and employees; at the same time, business continuity is top-of-mind.

Our CEO, Jacques Lefebvre, assures me that our staff continues to do its work on key areas of priority for our industry, while teleworking. Meanwhile, DFC and the provinces have a daily call scheduled to monitor developments, identify potential challenges, input to government and find pre-emptive solutions to emerging issues. Everyone is working in the spirit of collaboration to ensure consumers have continuous access to Canadian dairy products.

We have been steadfast in our representations to the federal government, including to the prime minister, on the need to identify, as part of Public Safety Canada’s Critical Infrastructure and Action Plan, that dairy be deemed as a critical industry. Within this plan, “food” is listed as one of Canada’s 10 critical infrastructure groups. As dairy has played and will continue to play a central role in feeding Canadians during this pandemic, we sought that the government make it clear in its communications that dairy is a critical component of this food pillar, thus recognizing our industry as an essential service.

Also, we have reached out to other players in the value chain to help us advocate for a special recognition for dairy as part of the government’s action plan; in this regard, I am thankful for the engagement of the Retail Council of Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.

In this time of great uncertainty, access to domestic foods and the security of these sources becomes top-of-mind for Canadians. As dairy farmers, we play an essential role in providing quality and safe dairy products to consumers. In times of need, Canadians can count on us.

Pierre Lampron
President
Dairy Farmers of Canada

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.