AFPA is proud to reflect on an incredible 10 days, where we showcased Alberta's food and beverage manufacturing sector through the Made in Alberta booth, the Made in Alberta Box, and the International Ag Lounge.
Throughout the week, our team met with government leaders, industry partners, and stakeholders to advocate for Alberta's food and beverage processors on key priorities including trade, workforce development, investment, regulatory modernization, market access, and food security. We also participated in several major industry events, including the unveiling of Alberta's new Whisky Label, and were pleased to meet privately with Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Heath MacDonald.
Thank you to our members, partners, exhibitors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make Stampede 2026 such a success.
Read the full recap to learn more about AFPA's activities and advocacy throughout Calgary Stampede 2026.
Think your OHS program is working? How do you know?
Many companies have policies, procedures, and training in place, but few test whether their health and safety system is achieving the desired results.
An independent review can help identify gaps, strengthen compliance, improve worker safety, and support COR readiness.
AFPA offers workplace health and safety reviews, audits, program development, training and consulting services tailored to Alberta food and beverage processors.
Let's make sure your program is working as hard as you are. Our website makes it easier than ever to find and register for a course online. Visit www.afpa.com/workplace-safety-courses to get started today!
Upcoming Course Dates (Virtual - Instructor led training):
OHS Roles & Responsibilities for Managers/Supervisors - July 24
HS Committee or Rep 'Technical Rules' - August 7
Hazard Assessment & Control - August 21
Incident Investigation - September 18
OHS Health & Safety System Building - October 1-2
Safety Auditor - November 12-13
Onsite options available as well as consulting to help build your program, if you do not see a date that fits your needs reach out to info@afpa.com
Build Your Health & Safety Team with NAIT OHS Co-op Students
Looking for skilled talent to support your workplace health and safety initiatives? NAIT Occupational Health & Safety Co-op students bring current industry knowledge and practical experience in areas such as hazard assessment, inspections, audits, investigations, and safety training.
By hosting a co-op student, your organization can gain additional project support, access fresh perspectives, and connect with future health and safety professionals. Employers may also be eligible for wage subsidy funding through a variety of programs, helping significantly reduce the cost of hiring a student.
If your organization is interested in this opportunity, please contact Pargat Mann (pargatm@NAIT.ca) to discuss potential collaboration.
Introduction to HACCP - August 11-12, 2026 LAST CALL! (melody@afpa.com to discuss a summer Discount!)
This hands-on course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, a globally recognized approach to managing food safety hazards.
October 20-21, 2026 (in-person Edm) - may revert back to virtual
December 8-9, 2026
January 20-21, 2027
March 9-10, 2027
May 11-12, 2027 (in-person Calgary) - may revert back to virtual
July 21-22, 2027
September 14-15, 2027
November 16-17, 2027
HACCP Basics (Virtual)
A practical 4-hour course that provides foundational knowledge to prepare you for developing your HACCP system or Preventive Control Plan (PCP). It explains the Codex principles of HACCP and how they translate into a functioning, risk-based food safety system that meets regulatory and customer expectations. Through instructor-led discussion and practical exercises, participants will learn how hazards are identified and evaluated, how process flow diagrams support hazard analysis, and how preventive controls and Critical Control Points (CCPs) are determined and managed. The session focuses on practical application to help organizations build or strengthen their food safety knowledge base.
A certificate of participation will be issued upon completion.
Implementing SQF Systems Edition 10 - July 30-31, 2026
SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course - August 10, 2026
BRCGS Training (Various Courses) - Beginning October 6, 2026
FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food v2 - November 18-20, 2026
In-house training is available as well as dates for any GFSI training - Contact AFPA.AFPA members receive preferred rates on consulting with our partners at Food Safety Solutions! If you do not see a course or date that fits please reach out.
AFPA & SCALE Are Coming Closer to Southern Alberta Processors
AFPA is excited to announce a new regional meeting location at Tecconnect in Lethbridge as part of the AFPA SCALE program.
This new location provides processors in Southern Alberta with a convenient place to connect with AFPA and the SCALE program in person. Whether you are looking to grow your business, explore funding opportunities, strengthen food safety systems, prepare for market expansion, address production challenges, or learn more about available supports, we would be pleased to meet with you.
Our presence at Tecconnect reflects AFPA's commitment to improving regional access to practical business supports, industry connections, and growth-focused resources while making it easier for processors across Alberta to access our programs and services. Meetings are available by appointment at Tecconnect, located at 3582 30 Street N., Lethbridge.
Show your pride in Alberta’s food and beverage industry with apparel and accessories that celebrate the people, products, and stories shaping our province. Plus, you have the option to add your own company logo and let customers know that your products are locally made.
Canada launches $350M Strategic Response Fund for Food Security Projects
The Government of Canada has launched the first call for proposals under its Strategic Response Fund (SRF), making up to $350 million available to support projects that strengthen domestic food security and advance Canada's National Food Security Strategy.
Eligible projects, valued between $10 million and $50 million, include initiatives in food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, industrial systems, and critical input production. The SRF is intended to help businesses expand capacity, modernize operations, and strengthen Canada's food supply chain infrastructure.
A second wave of the call for proposals is planned for fall 2026 in conjunction with Regional Development Agencies.
The service is designed to provide support for companies who are looking to expand their operations across Canada to help navigate understanding and acquiring federal licenses including the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence.
Businesses can schedule one-on-one virtual meetings with CFIA employees to help understand their unique needs and begin the licensing process while identifying gaps between their current practices and regulatory expectations. The meetings can help prepare documentation and offer support as needed.
FCC Extends Trade Disruption Customer Support Program
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has extended its Trade Disruption Customer Support Program until March 5, 2027, providing financial support to Canadian agriculture and food businesses facing challenges from trade disruptions and market uncertainty.
The program offers flexible financing options for eligible businesses, including:
Access to additional lines of credit (up to $500,000)
New term loans
Up to 12 months of principal payment deferrals for existing FCC customers
If your operation has been impacted by tariffs or trade-related disruptions, contact your FCC Relationship Manager or your local FCC office to discuss available options and determine your eligibility.
Are you an employer or business leader looking for extra support? You could receive a wage subsidy of up to $5,000 to hire a post-secondary student.
ICTC helps employers grow their businesses by providing financial subsidies to hire post-secondary students. In addition to the financial subsidy, employers gain new perspectives to help tackle challenges within their businesses, identify potential long-term hires, and support the early-career development of the next generation of Canadian leaders.
Our publisher, Matrix Group Publishing Inc. is now working on the 2026 issue. If you'd like to showcase your expertise and services in the magazine call 866-999-1299 or email
Every past edition of AFPA in ACTION is available online, so you can catch up on must-know industry insights, trends, and expert analysis. Don't miss out—explore now!Browse past issues.
Information session invitation- eHUB for Hospitality
You're invited to a free online information session to learn about eHub for Hospitality — a free, online platform helping Alberta hospitality employers communicate more clearly with newcomer staff, strengthen onboarding, and build stronger teams.
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