Turning challenges into opportunities through advocacy
Grain Growers of Canada Executive Director Kyle Larkin aims to drive substantial change for farmers through government industry collaboration
We are currently living through a time of profound transformation and change. While it’s natural for skepticism and mistrust toward the government to arise, I can personally attest to the tangible benefits that effective policy development can bring about.
I never saw myself getting involved in politics. Raised in Whitby, Ontario, just outside Toronto, I had my sights set on a career in foreign affairs. I moved to Ottawa, Ontario, to study International Studies and Modern Languages, specializing in Spanish. But, the pull of politics in Ottawa is undeniable. It’s not long before you encounter one too many Campus Conservatives or Young Liberals and find yourself drawn in.
Before I knew it, I was volunteering for a Member of Parliament. Volunteering morphed into a part-time gig and then eventually a full-time job. By 2015, I was entrenched, helping my hometown candidate get elected and becoming her first staff member. When she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, I assisted in establishing her offices in Ottawa and Whitby.
Making a difference has always been my goal. While foreign affairs took a back seat, politics felt like a natural step forward. Prior to my time on the Hill, I gained experience at a lobbying firm, delving into the world of lobbying and advocacy. It was admittedly exciting collaborating with clients like Rocky Mountaineer and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Although I transitioned to Parliament, the allure of lobbying never really went away.
After a few years working for two MPs, I made a deliberate return to lobbying, joining Impact Public Affairs and eventually becoming Vice-President. The firm specializes in association advocacy, affording me the chance to collaborate with various national and provincial associations.
It struck me – this was what I was searching for. The appeal of lobbying lies in advocacy. At Impact, I resonated most with associations working on behalf of “hard workers” – the people behind the policies, who get their hands dirty day in and day out, fueling our economy.
This is what drew me to the Grain Growers of Canada. Armed with a deep respect for associations and the contributions of hard-working Canadians, I recognized that my understanding of government and policy could drive substantial change for farmers across Canada. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact of government-industry collaboration.
Farmers, and indeed all Canadians, are navigating a time of transformation and uncertainty. I firmly believe that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Already, in my time at GGC, we’re actively seizing every chance to engage with decision-makers. Our Chair, Andre Harpe, recently connected with the Deputy Prime Minister and the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food. I intend to maintain this momentum, fostering ongoing engagement to ensure grain farmers have a seat at the table.
This fall, we have an ambitious policy agenda. Alongside the Agriculture Carbon Alliance, we’re working to pass C-234 in the Senate. This change would exempt producers from carbon tax on critical on-farm practices like grain drying. Simultaneously, we’re pushing for a permanent extension of rail interswitching. Our goal: make the 18-month pilot project permanent, extend it to 500km, and apply it nationally, injecting competitive market forces into the grain sector.
Finally, we’re working with members and farmers to finalize our Road to 2050 report. This blueprint will guide our engagement with the government, offering practical policies to achieve net-zero in the grain sector. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We recognize the need for tailored solutions, emphasizing collaboration between the government and grain farmers for effective progress.
Ultimately, this isn’t about me – it’s about you. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities through advocacy, shaping a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous future. Representing Canada’s grain farmers is a responsibility I do not take lightly. Looking ahead, I’ll be in Alberta this fall, eager to connect with you. Your insights matter, and I’m excited to hear from you.