Witness Application – Kelowna Special Hearings
The National Citizens Inquiry will convene a special public hearing in Kelowna, British Columbia, to examine the question: “Are Farmers Safe in Canada?”
This hearing will examine issues related to Canada’s food and agricultural systems, including food safety and security, regulation and enforcement, farm and ranching livelihoods, and the broader impacts of food and agricultural policy on Canadians.
The Inquiry invites applications from individuals wishing to provide testimony relevant to these matters. This may include farmers, ranchers, food producers, professionals, researchers, advocates, and members of the public with relevant experience or knowledge.
Canadian and international applicants may apply to testify, either in person or virtually. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the information and guidelines below before submitting a Witness Application.
Please note that due to the volume of applications received, only applicants selected to continue in the screening process will be contacted. All submissions will be reviewed by the Inquiry. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection to testify or inclusion in the formal evidentiary record.
Witness Application Form
The National Citizens Inquiry invites applications from individuals who wish to provide testimony relevant to the Inquiry’s mandate. Witnesses may apply based on personal experience, professional expertise, or a combination of lived experience, training, and subject-matter knowledge.
Applicants are asked to clearly describe the nature of their testimony in the application form. All testimony is considered on its relevance, clarity, and contribution to the public record.
Examples of relevant testimony may include, but are not limited to:
- Food safety rules, inspections, and public health measures
- Vaccination policies, including vaccination during pregnancy
- The regulation and use of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or other inputs
- The impact of government regulation and enforcement on families and communities
- The role of permits, compliance requirements, and regulatory oversight
- Market access, labeling, and consumer awareness
- Traceability systems, tracking, and data collection practices
- Environmental, air, water, or food quality concerns
- The effect of public policy on children, youth, and families
- Parental involvement in decision-making processes
- Censorship, information access, or transparency issues
- Experiences involving child protection or public services
- Professional or academic research related to health, education, safety, or wellbeing
Witnesses may include:
- Individuals sharing firsthand or lived experience
- Parents, caregivers, or community members
- Doctors, scientists, or health professionals
- Lawyers, public servants, or policy professionals
- Economists, academics, or researchers
- Journalists or investigators
- Educators and support staff
- Other professionals with relevant experience or expertise
All Canadians, as well as qualified international witnesses, are eligible to apply.
Due to the volume of applications received, only selected applicants will be contacted to proceed in the screening process. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection to testify.
More Information Regarding This Form:
All witness applications are reviewed to determine whether they are credible, relevant to the Inquiry’s mandate, and suitable for inclusion in the public record. Some applications may be assessed primarily on the credibility and clarity of the account provided. Others may be assessed on the applicant’s experience, credentials, and the quality of supporting information.
The National Citizens Inquiry will contact you if your application is selected to continue in the screening process. If selected, we will work with you to arrange your participation at the most appropriate hearing location and time. Please consult the Guidelines below to learn more about preparing for your testimony.
Applications may also be assessed using factors such as:
- Experience and credentials (where applicable)
- Topic(s) of proposed testimony
- Objectivity and clarity
- Strength and relevance of supporting evidence
If an applicant is not selected to testify, the Inquiry may still wish to include their account on this website at a later date as part of a broader effort to provide a public voice to as many Canadians as possible. If we choose to publish your account, we will contact you to request consent and may ask follow-up questions.
Remember, as a witness:
- You will testify under oath
- You may be subject to vigorous questioning
- Your testimony will be subject to strict time limits
Petition Signatures:
Signatures de pétition
Witnesses:
Être témoin
Experts Testified:
Témoignages d’experts
Hearing Days:
Journèes Audiences
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