I was pleased to welcome 125 participants from 18 countries to the 2026 International Phytobiomes Conference in @niagaraonlake this morning. Opening the conference I had a chance to share information about the @SenateCA #AGFO Soil Health Report and the resulting Bill S-230, with questions at the end on a myriad of topics. @uofg @UWaterloo @SoilsAtGuelph #AgricultureMatters

Every November, people around the world come together to raise awareness and help support those impacted by stomach cancer. More funding and research are needed to help diagnose and treat this terrible disease. We have no stomach for cancer! #nostomachforcancer @SenateCA

A ‘happy place’ where I take the opportunity to ‘recharge my batteries’. #AgricultureAndRuralMatters

Every November, Canadians from coast to coast to coast grow moustaches and facial hair to support men’s health. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Movember campaign in Canada, so everyone is encouraged to make a “Growmitment” and step up in their own way to help fight stigma around men’s mental health, and raise awareness of prostate cancer and other health issues that men face. #movember

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a chance to honour those who are bravely fighting pancreatic cancer, and we stand alongside their families and friends impacted by this disease. Let’s help fund research, raise awareness, and advocate for better treatments and early detection options. #pancreaticcancerawareness

November is Canada’s Fall Prevention Month. Falls are the number one cause of injury in Canada, and 20-30 per cent of older adults fall each year. We must raise awareness and promote action on this cause of serious injury and death! #preventfallsCA

Today, I had a chance to meet virtually with two terrific groups of students to tell them about the history and role of the Senate as well as my work as a Senator for Ontario. Thanks to the John Diefenbaker Senior School and the Michael Power/St. Joseph Catholic Secondary School for such warm welcomes and great questions! @SenateCA @MPSJ_TCDSB @BluewaterDSB

November is 4-H month in Canada, where the 4-H community comes together to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive impact they have in Canada and around the world. The 4-H program is developing responsible, compassionate and engaged young leaders who are making incredible contributions in their communities. As a proud 4-H alumnus, I have seen and felt the many impacts of 4-H on my own story and on my community! @4HCanada @4HOntario @SenateCA

It was great to attend the Mono Mulmur Citizens' Coalition AGM yesterday and share with them information about the @SenateCA #AGFO Soil Health Report & Bill S-230. Providing a voice and a rallying point to engage with governments, it’s easy to see this local organization is doing ‘good stuff’ within the community! Thanks for the invitation! #AgAndRuralMatters @Mulmurfoodie

🪨Approximately 365,000 stones make up Centre Block’s facade. Discover how masons and conservators are tackling the enormous task of cleaning the building’s exterior as part of Parliament’s rehabilitation.👇 #SenCA #FrontAndCentre #ParliamentHill

I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with members of the Arnprior Region Federation of Agriculture last evening at their Harvest Celebration and AGM. As stewards of the land, I appreciated their invitation to learn more about the @SenateCA #AGFO soil health report and the need to protect the critical ground under our feet. @OntarioFarms #SoilHealthMatters #AgricultureMatters #RuralMatters

Yesterday I enjoyed catching up with @AgScapeON Executive Director, Amanda Robertson, and showing her around the @SenateCA Building. Amanda testified earlier in the day about agriculture and agri-food literacy as part of our #AGFO study on food security in Canada. Thanks Amanda for your insightful contributions! #AgricultureMatters

Over 24,000 rural households in Ontario without Internet access today is UNACCEPTABLE! What is being done to correct this, Minister @LisaThompsonPC? #RuralMatters #AgricultureMatters

Another busy week on the Hill as I met with many involved stakeholders! I spoke with the International Seed Federation to discuss an upcoming conference. I met with the Canadian Mushroom Growers' Association and the National Cattle Feeders' Association to discuss issues facing their industries. I attended a breakfast meeting with the Deans Council – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine to discuss innovation and making Canada an agri-food superpower. I also sat down with @CPKCrail to discuss railway issues related to C-39. #agriculturematters @SenateCA @SeedFed @MushroomGrowers @NACattleFeeders

I had the pleasure of speaking to students from the Upper Grand District School Board as they participate in the Beyond Borders program. This program combines leadership development, global issues, sustainability, and advanced academics through offsite, community-based learning. @SenateCA @ORourke4Guelph @ugdsb

During today’s sitting in the @SenateCA, I asked the Government Representative if the government would commit to allocating a portion of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to a dedicated rural stream, delivered through Canada’s 267 Community Futures organizations so that those below the revenue threshold are not left without desperately needed support as they navigate U.S. tariffs and uncertainty. piped.video/1JB3MDXYLf0?si=CSx7… #ruralmatters

Yesterday, I attended the annual #PorkFest reception in Ottawa. Put on by the Canadian Pork Council, this event was a terrific opportunity to engage with Canada’s pork sector and producers. Congrats on a great event! #agriculturematters @cdnpork @SenateCA