UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson has been appointed to the Premier’s task force on agriculture and food economy. This task force was formed to ensure B.C.’s food supply and food economy continues to grow in the face of economic uncertainty due to American tariffs and trade actions.
A voice for workers at the table
President Johnson’s appointment ensures that the perspective of thousands of workers across British Columbia will be represented in this initiative. As the only labour representative on the task force, Johnson brings decades of experience advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable employment practices throughout the food supply chain.
“Workers are essential to every stage of our food economy – from farms to processing facilities to grocery stores. Their voices and experiences must be central to any provincial strategy that impacts them,” Johnson stated. “I look forward to working collaboratively with government and industry leaders to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food economy that works for everyone.”
About the Task Force
The group consists of 15 other representatives from across the agriculture and food sector, including primary producers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
The task force will meet quarterly over the next 12-18 months and provide targeted recommendations to government on key topics such as water, land, labour, competitiveness, and investment strategies.
