National Representation

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) reach Interim Participation Agreement

June 17, 2026

Calgary, AB — The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) have reached an interim participation agreement following motions passed in principle by the CCA at its Annual General Meeting.

Under the agreement, ABP will provide gap funding to support the CCA from July 1 to August 31, 2026. During this period, ABP’s elected representatives to the CCA will participate in meetings and discussions as non-members.

The agreement follows CCA’s agreement-in-principle to bylaw reforms recommended by the Provincial Working Group, which includes representatives from each of CCA’s provincial member organizations. These recommendations will be presented again for approval at CCA’s Semi-Annual Meeting in August.

“The interim participation agreement is important to maintain Alberta’s voice in national advocacy and policy discussions,” says CCA President Tyler Fulton. “The proposed bylaw revisions represent necessary evolution for our 94-year-old organization, and the board and provincial member associations are confident that we are positioning our organization for continued and improved success advocating on behalf of all Canadian cattle producers.”

“Alberta Beef Producers appreciates the dedication of the Provincial Working Group in developing thoughtful recommendations to the CCA,” says ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh. “The interim participation agreement gives Alberta a voice as the conversations around organizational evolution continue at the national level. We look forward to the results of the CCA’s Semi-Annual Meeting in August, and the conversations that follow at ABP through our Producer Meetings in the fall and Annual General Meeting in December.”

CCA and ABP are committed to clear communication with their respective stakeholders throughout the interim participation agreement.

Notice of Withdrawal

Last updated August 13, 2025 with new details outlining the key factors behind Alberta Beef Producers’ decision to withdraw. These additions, found at the end of the post, offer deeper clarity and context into the strategic considerations that shaped the Board of Directors’ decision.

Following extensive deliberation and strategic review, the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Board of Directors has made the decision to formally withdraw its membership from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), effective July 1, 2026.

“Membership in national organizations like the CCA must deliver clear value to Alberta’s cattle producers,” said Doug Roxburgh, Chair of ABP. “ABP holds high standards for fiscal transparency, governance, and communications, and we expect the same from the organizations we support. The CCA does not meet those standards. After seeing no meaningful progress or willingness to change, we’ve made the decision to withdraw our membership. We have a duty to Alberta producers to ensure their dollars are invested in organizations that reflect and advance our industry’s values.”

ABP remains fully committed to representing Alberta’s cattle producers and ensuring their interests are effectively advocated for at both the provincial and federal levels.

“We are focused on delivering strong, strategic representation for Alberta’s beef industry,” said Brad Dubeau, General Manager of ABP. “In light of the Board’s decision, we have mapped a strong path forward to ensure Alberta’s voice continues to be heard — provincially, nationally, and internationally.”
ABP will fulfill all financial obligations to the CCA through the conclusion of the current agreement on June 30, 2026.

Currently, ABP funds over 50 per cent of the CCA budget through the $2.00 Alberta Service Charge. This decision does not affect funding to the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off Agency ($2.50 National Levy) or its service providers – Canada Beef, Public and Stakeholder Engagement, and Beef Cattle Research Council.

As the commission moves forward, ABP is prioritizing the long-term strength and viability of its provincial operations. This decision reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and producer-driven organization that is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Alberta’s cattle industry.

View the official withdrawal statement here.

View the key factors influencing the decision here.

About Alberta Beef Producers

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is a not-for-profit commission representing Alberta’s cattle producers. ABP’s work spans critical areas including research, production, communications, marketing, policy, advocacy, and stewardship. Run by producers for producers, ABP is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable, competitive beef industry for the benefit of beef producers in Alberta.

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