Agriculture Committee on Feb. 15th, 2012

Evidence of meeting #25 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 41st Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was inspectors.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Growing Forward 2

MPs speaking

Larry Miller
Francine Raynault
Pierre Lemieux
Jean Rousseau
Frank Valeriote
Ben Lobb
Brian Storseth
Malcolm Allen
Bob Zimmer
Alex Atamanenko
Wladyslaw Lizon

Also speaking

Evan Fraser  Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair, Department of Geography, University of Guelph, As an Individual
John Cranfield  Member, Management Team, Consumer and Market Demand Network
Bob Kingston  National President, Agriculture Union
Carla Ventin  Vice-President, Federal Government Affairs, Food and Consumer Products of Canada

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Larry Miller

Thank you very much.

I have one last question, Mr. Kingston. I think, in general, when you start talking about food inspectors and what have you and about protecting our system, nobody can argue with that. With the inspectors, you like to think that they're educated, skilled people in their trade, and that kind of thing.

I just wonder what your thoughts are on CFIA inspectors using their paid time or whatever to visit small auction markets and what have you and basically stand around and take pictures of cages of hamsters and chickens being taken out of cars and trucks. These are chickens or hamsters or bunny rabbits that aren't going for slaughter and aren't going to be eaten.

Do you have any comments on that? Is that a good use of CFIA time?

5:15 p.m.

National President, Agriculture Union

Bob Kingston

What you're talking about--

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Larry Miller

Just a yes or no is all I need, because the bells are going for votes.

5:15 p.m.

National President, Agriculture Union

Bob Kingston

They're the only ones that enforce humane transport of animals in this country--

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Larry Miller

So are you saying that yes, it is?

5:15 p.m.

National President, Agriculture Union

Bob Kingston

--for all livestock, not just hamsters. Yes, it is.

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Larry Miller

So it is “yes”?

5:15 p.m.

National President, Agriculture Union

Bob Kingston

Yes, it is.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

Frank Valeriote Liberal Guelph, ON

Now you're badgering the witness, Mr. Chair.

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Larry Miller

Badgering? I think it's a useless waste of time and that they could be doing it in a good way, exactly.

Thanks very much to all of our witnesses. Mr. Fraser, Mr. Cranfield, thanks for joining us by video.

Mr. Kingston, Ms. Ventin, thank you.

The meeting is adjourned.