Evidence of meeting #147 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was work.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Chris Forbes  Deputy Minister, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Jaspinder Komal  Vice-President, Science Branch, Chief Veterinary Officer and World Organisation for Animal Health Delegate for Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Christine Walker  Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management Branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Ariane Gagné-Frégeau

11 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan

Good morning all.

Welcome to the committee.

This morning, we are beginning our study of the 2019-20 main estimates with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Thank you for being here today, Minister. We are delighted to have you.

This morning we have the pleasure of having at committee Mr. Chris Forbes, deputy minister of the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Welcome to our committee, Mr. Forbes.

We also have Ms. Christine Walker, assistant deputy minister, corporate management branch. Thank you for being with us this morning.

We will start with the opening statement by Madame Bibeau.

11 a.m.

Compton—Stanstead Québec

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It's good to be back.

I will start by saying that I appreciate the work you do at this committee. I hear about it regularly. I realize that farmers' needs are always at the heart of your discussions. I want to thank you for your recent reports on mental health and indigenous peoples in agriculture. These are issues that impact our farming communities across Canada, and we have a duty to take immediate action.

Today, we are looking at the main estimates for 2019-20. The estimates underline the government's commitment to the Canadian agriculture and food sector. Over the coming fiscal year, we are budgeting $2.5 billion to support key priorities of the sector. This morning, I would like to touch on some of these.

On trade, the canola situation in China continues to be a top priority. Last month, I met with Minister Han, my Chinese counterpart, at the G20 ministers' meeting in Japan. I expressed Canada's deep concerns about the suspension of Canadian canola exports to China and urged that this issue needs to be resolved quickly. Canada's ambassador to the WTO—the World Trade Organization—has also urged China to work with Canada on solutions.

Responding to industry, we have extended the loan limit of the advance payments program to $1 million for all producers, with $500,000 interest-free for canola producers. The regulations are now in place and producers will be able to apply for new amounts as early as June 10.

We have also worked with provinces and territories to extend the deadline for AgriStability. This will give producers a great opportunity to make use of an important risk management tool in uncertain times.

We are taking a Team Canada approach. Our working group meets once a week, bringing together the industry, the provinces and, obviously, our officials at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as Global Affairs Canada.

On the Japan mission, I was joined by Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada. We met with some key Japanese importers to look at ways to grow our business in this key market, especially with opportunities opening up under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP.

I also took the opportunity to meet with other G20 ministers, including European Commissioner of Agriculture Phil Hogan, to express Canada's concerns about barriers to our durum wheat in Italy and our pulses in India.

We continue to diversify trade for our canola and all of our great agri-food products through new free trade agreements such as the CPTPP.

There is more good news, Mr. Chair. Japan recently announced that it will now accept Canadian beef from animals over 30 months of age. This gives our beef producers full access to Japan, so they can take full advantage of the new opportunities under the CPTPP.

There is more good news for our farmers and food processors. The U.S. lifted section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, which strengthens our relationship with our largest trading partner. As you know, the Prime Minister has introduced legislation to ratify the new NAFTA. Last week, he and Vice-President Pence both expressed the aim of moving forward as quickly as possible to ratification.

The new NAFTA is imperative for our agri-food industry. The United States and Mexico buy $37 billion of our agri-food products, and we know we can grow that business even more. We are also working very closely with the United States and Mexico to take measures to keep African swine fever from our shores.

Building on our international African swine fever meeting in Ottawa last month, Canada and the United States have reached an agreement on the application of zones. This measure will allow safe trade in pork to continue in the event of an outbreak of this serious disease.

Some $200 million of the estimates will support year two of the Canadian agricultural partnership. Programs under the partnership are also helping farmers capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth while adapting to climate change.

In agricultural science, there's $70 million to address emerging priorities, such as climate change, and soil and water conservation. To help meet these goals, our government has committed to hiring 75 new scientists and science professionals in emerging fields of agriculture, and we have launched a world-first living laboratories project, bringing scientists and farmers together in the field to conduct environmental research that producers can apply directly to their farms.

It will help farmers adopt climate smart technologies at a faster pace. This made-in-Canada approach was embraced by G-20 agriculture ministers at our meeting in Japan.

Environmental sustainability is also a key pillar of our new $50 million Canadian agricultural strategic priorities program.

Mr. Chair, we have a busy few weeks ahead.

We are aiming to announce the details of our investment in support of our supply-managed producers and processors soon.

That includes $2.4 billion to sustain the incomes of dairy, poultry and egg farmers as a result of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, and the CPTPP.

As promised, we will support our dairy, poultry and egg producers who are impacted by trade agreements. We continue to work with industry to secure the long-term prosperity of producers and processors.

I also look forward to announcing Canada's first-ever food policy. There has been much enthusiasm across Canada. In fact, 45,000 people have participated in the consultations and I have had some excellent discussions on the policy, including at the recent national conference on food security. The policy sets out an ambitious vision to ensure that all people in Canada are able to access safe and healthy food through a healthier and sustainable Canadian food system. Therefore, we continue to work hard to advance the industry.

Once again, I want to thank you for your great work on some key issues impacting our sector.

I would be pleased to answer any questions you have.

June 6th, 2019 / 11:05 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan

Thank you for your opening statement, Minister.

We will now move into questions and answers.

Mr. Berthold, you may go ahead. You have six minutes.

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister. I was glad that, yesterday, in the House of Commons, we were able to find some common ground. That was quite useful.

I want to make clear that, in no way, do I question your concern for Canada's agricultural industry or your desire to protect it. No one in Canada would ever intentionally work against the industry. It is an industry I care about deeply and one we all want to see grow. In fact, I want to tip my hat to department staff. We all want to help farmers succeed and to raise the profile of Canada's products around the world.

What we disagree on, however, is the means to achieve that end.

Minister, in your opening statement, you mentioned your meeting with your Chinese counterpart. You wrote him asking for permission to send a delegation of experts to China. You had what you referred to as an introductory meeting. I didn't quite understand what you meant by that. You said you spoke at length, but you never once said what the Chinese agriculture minister's answer to your request was. Can you tell us about that?

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

I did indeed have a chance to meet with my Chinese counterpart when I was in Japan for the G20 agricultural ministers meeting. It was a golden opportunity because the focus of the discussions was rule-based trade and evidence-based decision-making, so that set the stage. We had a face-to-face meeting on the issue, and our respective teams were also there. I raised Canada's concerns.

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

I already know all that. You've repeatedly mentioned the topics that were discussed, but I'd like to know what China's response was.

The problem, right now, is China's lack of a response. You sent a letter, but you haven't gotten an answer. Canada still hasn't sent a delegation of experts. You met with your counterpart, but nothing has come of it. The Prime Minister refuses to broach the subject with the Chinese president to resolve the issue.

You, however, managed to discuss the issue with the Chinese minister. What was China's response?

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

Minister Han Changfu is responsible for agriculture. At the end of our discussion, he committed to speak with his colleague, the customs minister.

I'm pleased to tell you that, last night, Canadian Food Inspection Agency experts had a meeting and followed up with the people at China's customs department. Talks are progressing as we would like, in other words, based on data and evidence.

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

You didn't demand that China stop making false allegations about Canada's agricultural products. You didn't ask your Chinese counterpart to urge his government to put an end to the allegations.

Are you still hopeful that Canada will be able to send a delegation of experts to China? Everyone in Canada knows this has nothing to do with science or product quality. You, yourself, said yesterday, in the House of Commons, that this was political. Nevertheless, you're still talking about a delegation of CFIA experts discussing the science with their Chinese counterparts, but you're stubbornly refusing to address this on a political level.

Why is your government refusing to engage in a political dialogue with China?

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

As Minister of Agriculture, I will continue to stand up for the quality of Canadian products and the extreme rigour of our inspection system. That is one of my core responsibilities.

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

As Minister of Agriculture, you're a member of cabinet.

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

Yes.

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

You are in cabinet to defend the interests of canola farmers and pork producers. Your job at the cabinet table is to bring forward the views of farmers.

We want to know why the Canadian government stubbornly refuses to initiate formal talks with China. Why are you refusing to appoint an ambassador? We found out that the Chinese ambassador is resigning. Will you tell China that Canada won't accept the appointment of a Chinese ambassador to Canada if China doesn't accept the appointment of a Canadian ambassador to China?

Diplomatic talks with China are necessary, but you're refusing to go there. Why?

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

As I've repeatedly said, we work as a team. We recognize that, central though it may be, the technical dimension isn't the only issue at play. The science is another central aspect, and that's why I'm working closely with Ministers Freeland and Carr. Obviously, the Prime Minister is also very involved in the file.

You should direct any diplomacy-related questions to Ms. Freeland. We are exploring all available tools and options. Many countries, including the United States, are behind us and recognize the importance of continuing—

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Unfortunately, Minister, it's not working, and the situation is going from bad to worse.

Yesterday, on 24/60, you said you were aware of other export access restrictions on other Canadian products. What are they?

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

Officially—

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

And unofficially, since you've had other conversations.

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

Officially, we know about the restrictions on canola and pork, obviously. In the case of pork, it's more of an administrative issue. Certain forms and certificates contained errors. The industry has noted that it is subject to heightened inspection measures, but no formal notice has been received to indicate that the procedure has changed for other Canadian products.

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

We are worried about that. What are the other products?

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

I've heard soybeans mentioned, among others.

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Is that the only product?

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

According to the reports I'm getting.

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan

Thank you, Mr. Berthold, and thank you, Minister.

Mr. Drouin, it's your turn for six minutes.

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'd like to thank you, Minister. I'd also like to congratulate you on your appointment, even though you've been on the job for a while now, politically speaking.

We've seen a number of issues emerge. As members of Parliament, we talk to farmers. Then, all of a sudden, a crisis hits, and it's not always Canada's fault. Sometimes, it has to do with the impact the U.S. is having on the global market.

I know that you'll be meeting with your provincial counterparts in July. What will you be talking about?

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC

I have already spoken to many of them, either by phone or in person, including Minister Lamontagne, who will be hosting us in Quebec City. My relationships with the provincial ministers have gotten off on the right foot. Clearly, the provinces are key partners in agriculture.

As you know, a joint investment of $3 billion is being made over five years under the Canadian agricultural partnership, which features a number of funding and risk management programs for farmers. The suite of programs to help farmers will be on the table, given that changes were made in recent years. We'll be reviewing them to see how they help achieve objectives and what the feedback from industry is. That will be a major topic of discussion.

We'll be discussing African swine fever and the issue of animal health. Items on the agenda include African swine fever, the labour shortage—which is having a significant impact—international trade and market access. Those are the main topics on the agenda for July.

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Thank you very much.

I'd like to discuss another issue I care deeply about. I represent a region where supply management is tremendously important, whether we are talking about poultry or dairy farmers. The past seven or eight years have been hard on them. They've been tough internationally. Concessions were made under CETA, as well as the TPP negotiated by the previous government. We want to make sure farmers are properly compensated, so I'm glad to see your leadership on that front.

Mr. Lampron was pleased with the budget announcement, saying, “The federal government recognizes the impact of trade agreements on our sector and is following through on its commitment to support our domestic dairy industry.” That's important to note.

Can you tell us what's been done in the supply-managed sectors and what the working groups have accomplished since the budget measure was announced?