Grains on Tap

Season 2 | Episode 1: Senator Mary Robinson

Grains on Tap is back for Season 2!
Since the end of the last season in December, things have dramatically changed in Ottawa. From the proroguing of Parliament and Prime Minister Trudeau stepping down, to the widespread threat of tariffs from the new U.S. administration, to the swearing in of a new Prime Minister and the start of a federal election.
We have a lot to discuss and to kick things off, we’re joined by Senator Mary Robinson — a sixth-generation farmer from Prince Edward Island and former President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture — who brings a unique agricultural lens to the upper chamber.
In this episode, Senator Robinson shares her journey from the family farm to the Senate, and weighs in on key issues impacting our sector — including mounting trade tensions with the U.S. and China, the road ahead with the carbon tax and much more. With deep agricultural roots and a sharp policy lens, she brings another producer voice to the table at a pivotal time for the sector.
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another conversation about the intersection of agriculture and politics, right here on Grains on Tap.
 

Grains on Tap | Episode 8: MP Yves Perron

Welcome back to Grains on Tap! In this special episode, we’re doing something a little different by interviewing our guest entirely in French.
This month, we crack a beer with Yves Perron, MP for Berthier-Maskinongé and the Bloc Québécois’ spokesperson for agriculture, agri-food, and supply management. From his journey as a history teacher to his role as Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, Yves shares insights into his passion for agriculture, the policies he champions, and the impact of key bills like C-234 and C-282 on Canada’s agricultural sector.
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another engaging conversation about the intersection of agriculture and politics right here on Grains on Tap. A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, visit our website at graingrowers.ca.
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Bienvenue à Grains on Tap ! Dans cet épisode spécial, nous faisons quelque chose d’un peu différent en interviewant notre invité entièrement en français.
Ce mois-ci, nous ouvrons une bière avec Yves Perron, député de Berthier-Maskinongé et porte-parole du Bloc québécois en matière d’agriculture, d’agroalimentaire et de la gestion de l’offre. De son parcours en tant qu’enseignant d’histoire à son rôle de vice-président du Comité de l’agriculture et de l’agroalimentaire de la Chambre des communes, Yves nous fait part de sa passion pour l’agriculture, des politiques qu’il défend et de l’impact des projets de loi comme C-234 et C-282 sur le secteur agricole canadien.
Alors, servez-vous une bière bien fraîche et installez-vous pour une autre conversation intéressante sur l’intersection de l’agriculture et de la politique ici même sur Grains on Tap. Un merci spécial à Bière Canada pour avoir commandité cet épisode. Pour plus d’informations sur les Producteurs de grains du Canada, visitez notre site web à graingrowers.ca.

Grains on Tap | Episode 7: Senator Rob Black

We’re back with another episode of Grains on Tap!
As Parliament tackles key legislative priorities, we’re turning our focus to the policies shaping Canadian agriculture. This episode, we’re joined by Senator Rob Black, who is known as the “Agriculture Senator” for his understanding of the agricultural sector and his steadfast commitment to advocating for Canadian farmers.
In this episode, we dive into issues shaping the future of Canadian agriculture—like why Bill C-234 matters to farmers and the far-reaching implications of Bill C-282. Senator Rob Black brings his unique perspective as Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee, sharing stories and insights from his rural roots and years of championing farmers in the Senate.
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another engaging conversation about the intersection of agriculture and politics right here on Grains on Tap. A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, visit our website at graingrowers.ca.

Grains on Tap | Episode 6: Senator Colin Deacon

We're back with another episode of Grains on Tap! 
 
With Parliament now in full swing, we’re excited to dive into the latest issues at the heart of agriculture and politics. Joining us this episode is Senator Colin Deacon, a strong advocate for competition and a continued champion for grain farmers in the Senate.
 
In this episode, we explore key issues that are impacting producers across the country, from right to repair legislation to the critical need for fair competition in sectors like rail transportation. Senator Deacon shares his thoughts on these pressing topics and how they’re shaping Canada’s agricultural future.
 
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another engaging conversation about the intersection of agriculture and politics, right here on Grains on Tap.
 
A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, visit our website at graingrowers.ca

Grains on Tap | Episode 5: MP Kody Blois

We're back with another episode of Grains on Tap! 
 
We’re excited to dive into the latest in agriculture and politics as Members of Parliament and Senators return to Ottawa.
Our guest is no stranger to agriculture. Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants in Nova Scotia and Chair of the House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, joins us for an insightful conversation. We’re covering crucial policy changes that grain farmers need to watch closely and how these developments are shaping the agricultural landscape in Canada. This includes the capital gains tax increase, Bill C-234 and more.
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another discussion about the intersection of agriculture and politics right here on Grains on Tap.
A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode and the podcast. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, please visit our website at: https://graingrowers.ca/ 

Grains on Tap | Episode 4: CJ Hélie

We're back with another episode of Grains on Tap!
This week, we're excited to have CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada, join us for a conversation that goes beyond just raising a glass. With over 25 years in the Canadian beverage alcohol industry, CJ brings a wealth of experience, representing brewers who purchase more than 300,000 tonnes of Canadian grain annually. From the crucial relationship between Canadian grain farmers and brewers to the impactful advocacy work around the excise tax, CJ shares insights that highlight the deep connection between agriculture and beer.
 
We'll also dive into the importance of Canadian Beer Day, the influence of crop yields on brewing, and the key policies that grain farmers need to keep an eye on.
So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for an engaging discussion about the intersection of grains, beer, and policy.
 
A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode and the podcast. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, please visit our website at: https://graingrowers.ca/ 

Grains on Tap | Episode 3: Erin Gowriluk

We're back with another episode of Grains on Tap!
 
This week, we're joined by Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council and former Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada. With over a decade of experience in agriculture policy, Erin has been a strong advocate for grain farmers through her various roles.
 
In this episode, Erin shares her insights from her time at GGC and her current position, discussing some of the issues currently facing the agriculture sector. Key topics include the recent CFIA finalized guidance on gene-edited plants, international trade, and the transformation of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
 
So, grab your favourite craft beer and settle in for another episode of Grains on Tap.
 
Thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode and podcast: https://industry.beercanada.com/
 
For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, please visit our website at: https://graingrowersofcanada.ca/

Grains on Tap | Episode 2: MP Francis Drouin

Welcome back to Grains on Tap, where Canadian agriculture policy and craft beer intersect.
 
We're joined by Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Ontario and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Since taking office in 2015, Francis has been a fervent supporter of farmers and a proponent of economic development in rural communities. He also understands the intersection of government and public affairs, having worked in government relations both as a consultant and for a not-for-profit.
 
But Francis didn't arrive empty-handed! Joining us on a late Monday afternoon, he's here with good news related to the Advanced Payments Program (APP). So, grab your favourite craft beer and settle in for another episode of Grains on Tap.
 
Thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode and podcast: https://industry.beercanada.com/
 
For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, please visit our website at: https://graingrowersofcanada.ca/

Grains on Tap | Episode 1: MP Branden Leslie

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grains on Tap, the podcast where the world of Canadian agriculture policy meets craft beer.
Our journey through the corridors of power and the fields of grain begins with a special guest, Branden Leslie, Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar and a proud alumnus of the Grain Growers of Canada. Branden, a native of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, brings a wealth of knowledge from his time as a political advisor and his tenure as the manager of policy and government relations with the GGC, to his recent election to the House of Commons.
As we sit down with Branden on a late Friday afternoon, fresh from his duties at the House of Commons, we'll dive into the intersection of agriculture and politics, his journey from advocacy to elected office, and how these experiences shape his views on the future of Canadian agriculture. And, as we're doing this over a couple of well-deserved beers, we'll also touch on the lighter side of life, including Brandon's recent venture into fatherhood.
Thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode and podcast: https://industry.beercanada.com/
For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, please visit our website at: https://graingrowersofcanada.ca/