Agriculture committee  If the federal and provincial levels could collaborate, but also transfer responsibilities, as we see in other areas, it would help with the enforcement of not only Bill C‑205, but perhaps even aspects of other agreements between the federal government and the provincial government on the whole area of healthy livestock operations.

Agriculture committee  In our opinion, Bill C‑205 should discourage demonstrators from making their way onto farms. They will have to find other ways to express their opinions, because, if their actions have any impact on the health and biosecurity of the animals or on the farms, or if they cause any damage, there will be significant monetary consequences.

Agriculture committee  I believe also that there can be collaboration between the Canada Food Inspection Agency, CFIA, and the inspectors from the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. There can be a presence in all provinces. The CFIA already has a presence in abattoirs everywhere. Collaboration with provincial agencies also seems desirable.

Agriculture committee  First, let me congratulate Mr. Barlow, who proposed this bill. Thanks to him, we have been able to have the discussion that we are currently having. I don't know whether we will have the time to see the bill passed before the end of the session, because only a short time is left.

Agriculture committee  I believe that, if individuals are the target and they are potentially subject to substantial fines, they will think twice before acting in such a way and the organizations in which they are active will not want to put their members in situations that could cause them financial difficulty.

Agriculture committee  Yes, we would amend the proposed section 9.1 by removing the words “or excuse”. The section would therefore begin as follows: “No person shall, without lawful authority, enter a building or other enclosed place in which animals are kept...” We would take out: “knowing that…entering such a place could result…” because we do not believe that the words serve any purpose.

Agriculture committee  Yes, we have it in writing in our brief. We believe that it makes the interpretation of the section even clearer, as it is essential to the bill.

Agriculture committee  Okay.

Agriculture committee  You are right, Mrs. Bessette. Following that incursion and the complaints that were made, MAPAQ indeed inspected the Porgreg farm and asked the farm to make some corrections to the site. That was done and everything is now back in order. This proves that complaints to MAPAQ are sufficient and that there is no need to intrude.

Agriculture committee  I would like to clarify the term “scenes of horror”. When the cameras arrived, the demonstrators had already been on site for some time. You would see scenes of horror in any pig farm where 30 or so strangers were wandering around, where the animals should have been fed three hours previously but had not been, and where the doors were open and letting in the cold.

Agriculture committee  That is correct.

Agriculture committee  I would add one comment, Mr. MacGregor, if I may.

Agriculture committee  The vast majority of Canadian livestock sectors have already adopted codes of good practice in conjunction with the National Farm Animal Care Council, with veterinarians and with organizations working for animal welfare. In the dairy sector, milk producers have to abide by the code set out in the Quality Milk program.

Agriculture committee  The farmer in the Estrie managed to stop them, as they were only two. So it was easier to limit what they were doing. Only two animals ended up being driven outside the barn. So the damage was limited.

Agriculture committee  Exactly. I would also like to bring up the point by saying that Bill C‑205 is certainly not about protecting farming families. It is about protecting the health and well-being of the animals. I feel that is important, and you in the federal government have the tool with which you can respond.