Evidence of meeting #25 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was industry.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
I call the meeting to order.
Our plan was to try to get started as soon as possible. This is the start of our study into Bill C-474, An Act respecting the Seeds Regulations (analysis of potential harm), a private member's bill from Mr. Atamanenko.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON
Mr. Chairman, we indicated at our last meeting that we would give Mr. Atamanenko his full time to present. It's now 3:20 p.m. and we have witnesses coming in. Considering the time, we'll have presentations and we're going to end up with very little time for questions. I don't know whether it would be the wish of the committee that Mr. Atamanenko form part of the witness panel for the next two hours. It's up to him, of course...it's actually up to the committee.
Anyway, I just throw that out there. If it is something that he or the committee may wish to do, I'll leave that with you.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
3:20 p.m.
NDP
Alex Atamanenko NDP British Columbia Southern Interior, BC
I would prefer to give my brief presentation. I timed it, so it will be under ten minutes. I would prefer to have some questions come directly at me from my colleagues. It doesn't have to be many. Then if we could move into the panel, I could go there and be part of the team. I suppose that's how it normally works.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Well, originally we had slotted him in for half an hour to speak to it.
Alex, when you go back to your table and if there are other questions about your bill, would you be willing to answer them even if you're away from your chair?
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON
It's not that you wouldn't get your time. I'm suggesting that you do get your time, but actually you might want to sit with the panellists. If there were more questions, then you would also have that opportunity during that time.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON
Well, I think we have a lot of witnesses coming here, and I don't want to cut their time too short. He could be part of the panel, should that be the case.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK
Mr. Chair, I want to make sure he gets enough time so that everybody here can ask him questions. I'm a little concerned that half an hour is not enough time.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Is everybody okay if it takes a little more than half an hour? We can still have the other witnesses join us in half an hour, but is it okay with everybody?
I'm sorry, André. Before I go to you on this, I did have Mr. Lemieux on my list.
3:20 p.m.
Bloc
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
This will be very quick, Mr. Chair.
I think we should proceed as we do normally, but quickly, since we will soon be called to vote and that may well interrupt the work of the committee. So let's get going as quickly as possible.
3:20 p.m.
Bloc
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
That is because your whip is not as on the ball as ours.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON
Chair, I think Mr. Atamanenko is the best salesman and defender of his bill.
I only wanted to confirm, Alex, that if you're not able or would rather not stay at the table, we are able to direct questions to you.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON
Okay, that's fine.
I think it's good to give Mr. Atamanenko the most time possible to advocate for his bill.
3:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Sure, and I think Alex indicated he was willing to take those.
At some point, in half an hour or slightly more, Alex, if you want to go back to your place at the table, you can, but you'll still accept questions.
3:20 p.m.
NDP
Alex Atamanenko NDP British Columbia Southern Interior, BC
Okay. In all fairness to our guests, they should have as much time as possible, too, to make a presentation.