Evidence of meeting #6 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 program.
A video is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
Chief Agriculture Negotiator, Trade Agreements and Negotiations, Market and Industry Services Branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
This issue really comes under the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As a regulatory agency, it has the duty to look into that possibility. Unfortunately, the department cannot comment on such matters.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Ruth Ellen Brosseau NDP Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Do you have a question to ask, Brigitte? I will yield the floor to you.
March 21st, 2016 / 5:25 p.m.
NDP
Brigitte Sansoucy NDP Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Thank you, Ruth Ellen.
You talked to us earlier about consultations that will be held by July 2016 in preparation for the next agricultural framework. Like myself, you have probably already started hearing comments, criticism and expectations related to that framework, especially when it comes to the next generation of farmers.
I would like to know what the department thinks could be included in the next agricultural framework to improve support for young farmers.
5:25 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
It's fair to say the governments are open to a number of suggestions on the design and implementation of the next policy framework. Personally, I haven't heard those specific comments, but I have a high degree of confidence that the sector is very prepared to provide us feedback.
We've been through this process with the sector now since 2003, three times already. This will be a fourth time.
What we've seen already is that national and provincial organizations, both the horizontal and the commodity-specific, have already developed positions. They've already made themselves available to ministers and officials, and they'll continue to engage us on a very wide front. It may very well come up.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan
Thank you. I would like to ask a quick question before we finish this.
With the trade agreements we're getting ready to sign, do you see any changes, or potential changes, to the way we deliver the program?
I don't know how much time you've had to look at those trade agreements, but do you see any flags that might change the way we deliver our programs? Just a quick answer, please.
5:25 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
The quick answer is in my minister's mandate letter, where he's tasked to help the Minister of International Trade prepare and to take advantage of trade agreements we're entering into, so there may be some evolution.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan
Thank you very much.
This concludes our question period for the panel. I thank you very much for coming here and answering our questions. I'm sure we'll meet again as we pursue our committee work.
We're going to take five minutes to approve the motion. We'll start on the motion that needs to be adopted regarding main estimates for 2016-17, pursuant to Standing Order 81(5).
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD
Vote 1—Operating expenditures..........$534,827,658
Vote 5—Capital expenditures..........$74,750,000
Vote 10—Grants and contributions..........$343,252,000
(Votes 1, 5, and 10 agreed to)
CANADIAN DAIRY COMMISSION
Vote 1—Operating expenditures..........$3,599,617
(Vote 1 agreed to)
CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION
Vote 1—Operating expenditures..........$4,776,362
(Vote 1 agreed to)
Shall the chair report votes 1, 5, and 10, under Agriculture and Agri-Food; vote 1 under the Canadian Dairy Commission; and vote 1 under the Canadian Grain Commission for the main estimates 2016-17 to the House?
5:25 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.