Task Force continues to lead coordinated advocacy in Lacombe Research & Development Centre closure review

The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County, together with regional and agricultural partners, are providing an update on federal efforts to review the proposed closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre (LRDC).

“This isn’t just a local issue — this is a national research asset,” said City of Lacombe Mayor Thalia Hibbs. “For more than a century, the LRDC has delivered the kind of independent, high-value agricultural research that Canada relies on. Losing it would undermine food security, reduce competitiveness, and take away opportunities for students, researchers, and producers across the country.”

Advocacy Progress & Federal Committee Testimony

On February 24 and 26, representatives from the LRDC Closure Response Task Force — including Mayor Hibbs, Lacombe County Reeve Ireland, and Western Crop Innovations research scientist Lori Oatway — appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Their testimony highlighted the Centre’s national research importance, economic impacts, and the irreplaceable nature of its long-term scientific trials.

Following the hearings:

• The Task Force will submit a detailed report by March 19 outlining national, community, and industry impacts.
• The Standing Committee will then have 45 days to prepare and table its final report in Parliament.

“Producers across the Prairies — and around the world — rely on the research done in Lacombe,” said Reeve Ireland. “Once you dismantle a research hub like this, the data, the expertise, and the continuity are gone forever. We owe it to the agricultural community to fight for its future.”

What the Task Force Has Accomplished

Through coordinated regional advocacy, the Task Force has:

• Lobbied the Federal Government to look into its decision to close the LRDC
• Successfully testified before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, asking for the decision to be reversed
• Generated significant national and provincial media coverage
• Built strong partnerships with agricultural organizations and industry groups
• Engaged rural municipalities across Alberta, many of whom have submitted letters of support
• Advanced municipal advocacy, including:
  • Resolutions will be presented at the Spring RMA Conference and Alberta Municipalities Spring Caucus calling for the federal government to reverse the closure
  • Mayor Hibbs’ will provide remarks at the Alberta Municipalities Spring Caucus
• Prepared contingency plans with partners to respond to the final decision of the Standing Committee

• • calling for the federal government to reverse the closure;
  • Mayor Hibbs’ will provided remarks at the Alberta Municipalities Spring Caucus
• Prepared contingency plans with partners to respond to the final decision of the Standing Committee

Next Steps

As the federal review process continues, the Task Force will:

• Submit the March 19 written brief
• Monitor the Standing Committee’s 45-day reporting period
• Continue outreach with provincial and federal representatives
• Maintain consistent public messaging and address emerging misinformation
• Continue work on contingency options while prioritizing a full federal reversal

The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County remain united in seeking a full reversal of the closure decision.

We extend our sincere thanks to the producers, researchers, municipal partners, and community advocates whose voices continue to strengthen this effort. Updates will continue as the federal review unfolds.

“Our community, our producers, and our partners across the province have shown how much this Centre means. We will continue advocating tirelessly until this decision is reversed,” said Mayor Hibbs.

“This research belongs to all Canadians,” added Reeve Ireland. “We will continue pushing for a solution that protects the LRDC’s legacy — and its future.”

The public can stay up-to-date on developments of the Task Force’s advocacy efforts on our websites:

• https://www.lacombecounty.com/LRDC
• www.lacombe.ca/LRDC