MEDIA RELEASE – National Citizens Inquiry Hearings: Kelowna, British Columbia, March 9–11, 2026
Are Farmers Safe in Canada?
Farmers, experts, and industry witnesses present testimony examining the pressures facing Canada’s food system and agricultural sector
Kelowna, British Columbia – March 9–11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2026
NATIONAL – The National Citizens Inquiry (NCI) has convened in Kelowna, British Columbia, for three days of testimony examining a question of growing national concern: Are farmers safe in Canada?
Farmers, researchers, agricultural professionals, and policy experts are presenting testimony examining the regulatory, economic, and public health frameworks affecting Canadian agriculture and the national food system. Witnesses will address issues including supply management policy, interprovincial trade barriers, agricultural competitiveness, farm consolidation trends, food safety governance, public health risk assessment, and federal–provincial coordination in agriculture and health policy.
Invitations were issued to Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, and Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, to appear before the Inquiry to address matters relating to agricultural policy, food regulation, and public health oversight.
Collectively, the testimony being presented examines the pressures facing Canadian farmers and the broader implications for national food security, agricultural sustainability, and public confidence in Canada’s food system.
“Canada’s farmers play a critical role in ensuring the stability and security of our food supply,” said Ted Kuntz, NCI Chair. “These hearings provide a public forum where evidence can be presented and Canadians can better understand the policies and decisions shaping the future of agriculture in our country.”
Kelowna, British Columbia – March 9–11, 2026
Full schedule, livestream, and attendance details available at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/event/kelowna-2026-tickets/
The names of private citizens testifying will be made available during the hearings.
The NCI hearings will be broadcast live on the NCI website at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/live/
And on the NCI social media channels:
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/ncicanada
X: https://x.com/NCICanada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalCitizensInquiryCanada
The hearings will be conducted in English, beginning daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm Pacific Time.
There is still time to Register for the events. Please do so here:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/event/kelowna-2026-tickets/
Members of the media are asked to provide identification to NCI volunteers on site to obtain access. Prior notification of attendance to [email protected] will assist in assuring seating.
The access link for re-streaming can be found at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/restream/
The NCI Media Kit can be found at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/media-kit/
The National Citizens Inquiry is a Canada-wide, citizen-led and citizen-funded initiative, independent from government and political influence. Through questioning led by lawyers, individual Canadians and experts present evidence under oath before independent commissioners.
The independent commissioners are receiving testimony on matters of significant national concern and will subsequently release a series of recommendations.
The NCI Commissioners’ Reports can be downloaded free of charge at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-report/
For media inquiries, email:
[email protected]
