Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Prince Albert-Churchill River.
I wish to add my voice to those supporting Bill C-51, an act to amend the Canada Grain Act. I do so for many reasons. As colleagues have noted, these amendments offer a multitude of benefits in terms of enhanced competitiveness for Canadian grain in world markets, better service to the industry, and protection for grain producers and taxpayers.
I congratulate all involved for putting together such a comprehensive and useful package of legislation. I am impressed with the ways in which the bill reinforces and fulfils the original intent of the Canada Grain Act, 1912, while at the same time it adapts to many challenges posed by the international grain markets of the 1990s.
Its original intent was and remains, to act in the interests of producers. It is on behalf of grain producers I wish to address my remarks today. To act on behalf of the grain producers it is first necessary to understand what they are. The process that led up to the drafting of the legislative amendments was one of lengthy, in-depth consultations with representatives of all facets of the grain industry.
Prominent among those were grains producer organizations. These organizations through their representatives told the Canadian Grain Commission to continue to protect the integrity of the Canadian grain handling system, to strengthen and to maintain the system that has given Canada the enviable reputation enjoyed worldwide for top quality grain.
At the same time they said they needed flexibility to meet the new markets and challenges, to pursue new opportunities, and to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. While on the one hand we are maintaining and strengthening Canada's grain quality system, on the other hand we are removing restrictions which have become burdensome and counterproductive. With the foregoing in mind I will now outline the features of this bill which I feel most effectively accomplish these objectives from a producer's point of view.
To protect the integrity of Canada's grading system which producers understand enhances the marketability of their grain, the act will amend to strengthen the concept that quality meeting the needs of the end users is central to Canada's grain handling system.
This will help to reinforce the many unique things we do in Canada which ensure that only the best grain varieties are developed, marketed and transported through our bulk handling system.
As Canada's grain system evolves over time this amendment will affirm that quality will continue to be the foundation of Canada's grain marketing strategy.
Canada's commitment to grain quality will be strengthened in other ways. For example, the definition of contaminated grain will be clarified and the responsibility of elevator operators for safe handling of hazardous compounds and safe disposal of contaminated grain will be clearly spelled out. This works to the obvious benefit of the producers who will understand the ethical concerns and the marketing advantages of delivering a safe, wholesome product.
As well, an amendment will confirm the authority of the commission to set standards for the drying of grain. This is more important because improperly dried grain often cannot be detected until it is processed. The first indication of concern would be a dissatisfied customer.
This very point was brought up on September 22 at an annual meeting of the Ontario Wheat Producers Marketing Board in my riding of Lambton-Middlesex. When its primary customers, American producers along the south shore of Lake Erie, are demanding wheat with 13.5 per cent moisture content, there had better be a means of ensuring this standard.
This amendment provides the commission with another means by which to maintain Canada's reputation for grain quality. It therefore contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Canada's grain producers.
This bill will remove the requirement that only public carriers transport grain interprovincially. This will benefit producers, providing them with transportation options that may help them to reduce costs. This provision coupled with the June 8 announcement by the ministers of agriculture and transport to expedite changes to the Western Grain Transportation Act will ensure the foundation of a fair and effective delivery system for crops in all regions of Canada.
Several other proposed changes to the Canada Grain Act speak directly to the opinions expressed by grain producers that the CGC continue to maintain the integrity of grain transactions. These include granting authority to the commission to act against companies which illegally use Canada Grain Act grade names; requiring licensed grain deals to use Canada Grain Act grade names in all of the transactions with the producers; provisions to specify the way grade, dockage and moisture content are determined and recorded at the county elevator; provisions to allow the suspension of licences of primary elevators where over usages exceed allowable limits.
Over usages are discrepancies between the amount of grain an elevator has compared with what it should have based on records of shipment and receipts.
Also included are provisions which clarify the authority of the commission to refuse licences to companies which it deems to be unreliable.
These provisions fit well with others contained in the bill which require that grain producers take more responsibility for grain transactions. I believe this balanced approach reflects the basic value that is held by producers, the industry and this government, one that says we are all obligated to share in the risk and responsibilities. In doing so producers, the industry and all Canadians share in the benefits.
Taken together, these amendments to the Canada Grain Act offer producers a comprehensive package of measures that support their efforts to work and to prosper in an increasingly competitive global grain market. For this reason I most heartily encourage members of this House to support this bill.
