Agriculture Committee on June 5th, 2020

[Kody Blois, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Andrew, I wasn't around in 2013—it would have been my predecessor, Scott Brison, of course—but this program was cut from an 85% reference margin down to 70% under the former government. Do you have any idea from the community as to why that might have happened? Do you remember that recollection or the purpose at the time?

[Andrew Bishop]

I don't remember all the discussions at the time, but again, we're a diverse operation in our crops. I think the monocot crops, maybe grain farmers and the like, had some very good years. I think that probably the changes in the program were more to do with our western counterparts.

[Kody Blois, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

I want to talk to you about the importance of supporting our regional agricultural centres, of course, after COVID-19. You've had some experience with the Kentville research station and the important work it does. You've been in farming almost 50 years, Andrew. Can you speak to how important that institution is and to any enhancements you'd perhaps like to see in those regional research centres?

[Andrew Bishop]

To my mind, the regional research centres are very important to our regional agriculture, especially for tree fruits. If we have issues, we can address them quickly.

In my 50 years and over—and you may not be able to see my grey hair—we have seen a loss in the expertise that has been very valuable to us. There's nothing that can replace the local content as far as research is concerned.

[Kody Blois, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Lastly, Andrew, you mentioned that you have a mixture of a wholesale and retail business. Many people across Nova Scotia have travelled south to pick apples or pumpkins in the autumn and things like that. Can you talk about how COVID-19 has spurred more interest in local food, with more people wanting to buy local?

[Andrew Bishop]

I think there's a whole new awareness out there among our consumers about the importance of their food security. The events that we read about and hear about, which are actually happening, are making people think a lot about that, and we're seeing it at our local retail shops. There's a big spike in sales, which is a good thing. We don't sell as many of our own products, but we do offer our neighbours' products as well to round out a good shopping experience for our customers.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Thank you, Mr. Bishop. I'm glad you could join us.

Mr. Blois, thank you.

Mr. Perron, you may go ahead for six minutes.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Good afternoon.

Mr. Chair, I'll be splitting my time with Mr. Champoux.

Thank you to the witnesses for being here today.

My first question is for the Equestrian Canada representatives.

You said you would like to see improvements on the interprovincial trade front. Can you tell me briefly what you have in mind?

[Kristy House]

I'm sorry, but I will turn to Richard for that question. He comes from the provincial representation.

[Richard Mongeau]

Good afternoon, Mr. Perron.

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, I missed part of your question. Would you mind repeating it, please?

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

In your opening statement, you mentioned interprovincial trade, but you ran out of time.

In a few words, can you tell me what you'd like to see happen? What are you recommending?

[Richard Mongeau]

I think it was another witness who brought up interprovincial trade, but I'd be happy to talk about the challenges businesses in different jurisdictions are experiencing, if I may.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

You have 20 seconds.

[Richard Mongeau]

In all the provinces, especially Quebec, operators, in other words, small equine businesses, are in dire financial straits. They're being forced to make agonizing choices: sell their equipment or their horses. They need their horses, however, to make a living. They're sending horses to the slaughterhouse. Not only does that prevent operators from earning other revenue, but it also prevents them from replacing those horses, which they need to keep their businesses viable.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

You're really in dire straits.

In your opening statement, you said that only 29% of your members, less than a third, found the government assistance helpful, so more support is necessary. Indeed, when the government announces measures, it always says it will do more.

Do you think it's really time for the government to do more? What do you need specifically?

[Richard Mongeau]

It's absolutely time for the government to do more.

We need immediate financial support. We mentioned that 60% of the businesses that responded to our survey are already strapped for cash to keep their businesses afloat. Owners are selling their businesses or closing their doors. Horses are being sent to the slaughterhouse. What's more, it can take a few months for support to materialize under the current program. Timely support is crucial.

Another important consideration is the ability of business owners to access federal programs. Ms. House was saying earlier that the current rules are almost always based on two questions: Is it a duly registered agricultural business? Does the activity in question generate farm income?

That is really a huge obstacle. Many of the activities provided by equine businesses—in essence, how they earn their revenue—prevent businesses from qualifying for any of the support measures. All the government has to do is relax the current requirements in order to provide businesses with immediate support.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

As I understand it, you are yet another witness telling the committee that the current programs, which the minister goes on and on about, don't work and require major improvements.

Could you comment quickly?

[Richard Mongeau]

As far as relaxing the requirements goes, we've spoken to Ms. Bibeau and members of her staff. They listened to what we had to say and were very receptive, but it's time for action.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Very good.

I'm going to give the rest of my time to Mr. Champoux.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Mongeau, I'd like to keep talking about the industry in Quebec, specifically, equestrian schools, competitions and such. If I'm not mistaken, Quebec announced that those activities could resume beginning next week.

Is that correct?

[Richard Mongeau]

That's correct. Training and competitions are allowed to resume. It goes without saying that physical distancing and public health measures will have to be followed. We are delighted that those activities will be starting up again.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

What challenges do you foresee? I imagine it will be necessary to ensure those protocols are followed and overseen, but surely, you anticipate certain things to be a bit more complicated.

Do you expect implementing the protocols to be a bit more challenging when it comes to certain aspects?

[Richard Mongeau]

Some aspects are definitely more challenging. Fewer participants or clients will be able to train or take classes. The costs won't change, but revenues are likely to be lower. Like all businesses, equine operators will have to incur additional costs so they can offer their services; those costs can range from equipment and signage to extra staff. According to our estimates, while businesses won't operate at a loss, they won't really see any profits in the first few months, so things will still be tough for them.

As for competitions, it's much the same. We are pretty far along when it comes to establishing protocols, but actually holding events while respecting the necessary restrictions, which everyone recognizes the importance of, won't generate any profits in the next few months.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

That's why the support programs need adjusting, is it not?

[Richard Mongeau]

Exactly.