Refine by MP, party, committee, province, or result type.
Agriculture committee Is this the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, or—?
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Yes, okay. At the department we haven't looked at it yet, but I know that the file, which is probably on my desk, is something we need to respond to. I can't give you any update on it. I know they've written me. It's something we need to address.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Well, I haven't looked at it, but I will.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee It basically comes down to the rules in terms of what's defined as farming income for income tax purposes. Nurseries providing seedlings for reforestation--woodlots, that type of thing--are not eligible. It all involves the care and nurturing of the seedling. As an example, Christmas trees, ornamentals, and fruit trees are eligible for CAIS.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Yes, it's always been that way for 2003. I understand that maybe the guidelines at some point, early in 2003, weren't as clear as they should have been. I think they used an “or” when they should have used an “and”, perhaps, if you know what I mean. But the guidelines and the rules have always been clear that it has to be reportable as farming income for tax purposes.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Basically because it isn't a farming activity as defined by the Income Tax Act.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee As with any issue, we look at it on a case-by-case basis and we have to assess the facts. In terms of this case or these cases, my belief is that it is a debt to the Crown. We haven't changed the policy from the first day, so it's not reversing a decision that we made earlier, saying you're now ineligible and have to repay the money.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee I'd have to look at it on a case-by-case basis.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee It's probably about half. It varies by province and by year. Again, if their margin for the current year drops below the previous year, then they're going to get a payment. If their margin goes up, they don't qualify.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Actually, I apologize, but I can't. I wasn't aware of that case. I know we do have many multi-jurisdictional farms. As I recall, the rule is that it's the province of the main farmstead. However, that's defined for tax purposes, that's where the assistance should be provided from.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee It wouldn't matter. You still have one producer in two different jurisdictions.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee Basically, it's trying to come up with the rules to make the determination fair for the respective jurisdictions. As an example, even if we administered the program nationally, Alberta and Quebec would very have much an interest in what we decide, because it impacts on their cost share.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee In terms of any overpayments, if you will, or advance payments that have to be repaid by producers, as we calculate their inventory cheque, if there's an amount on the books that's owed by the producer, we will deduct that amount from their inventory payment. Federally we expect to have completed the 2003-04 inventory payments by December 31.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster
Agriculture committee I don't have the number, but I can get it for you.
November 7th, 2006Committee meeting
Danny Foster