Agriculture Committee on June 10th, 2020

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Oh, yes, I really want these programs to be upgraded. We are talking about that each and every week with our provincial counterparts, and our officials are also working on that. Actually, I think the crisis that we are unfortunately going through will also give us more evidence on what is working and what is not, and thus which ones we can reinforce and which we might have to change.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Thank you, Madam Minister.

Thank you, Mr. MacGregor.

Madame Bibeau, we seem to have a problem with the connection and your voice. We'll suspend the meeting for a minute and let the technician work with you. Apparently the interpretation does come through so well.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

We'll give it another try. I'll call the meeting to order again.

Mr. Lehoux, you have the floor for five minutes.

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Chair, I have a point of order.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Go ahead, Mr. Barlow.

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Thanks.

I appreciate the technical difficulties, but this was almost a 10-minute delay. I'm hoping that the minister will be able to stay for an additional 10 minutes so that everyone gets their four rounds. I don't think the officials need the full hour. It's more important that we have an opportunity to ask questions of the minister.

I would just ask the minister if she is able to make up for that lost time to ensure that all parties get that opportunity.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

I see a nod of the head by the minister.

Minister Bibeau, can you stay a little longer?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Yes, I can stay until 7:10 p.m.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Okay. We'll try again.

Thank you, Mr. Barlow.

Mr. Lehoux, you have the floor for five minutes.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Good afternoon, Minister Bibeau. Thank you for joining us. I also want to acknowledge my colleagues.

Minister Bibeau, you spoke about the $50 million fund for the purchase of surplus food. I've spoken with some producers, and they haven't received any details regarding this fund yet. Right away, you spoke of delays. We should have some details soon, but when?

What productions will be identified for the purchase of food? Has any progress been made in this respect? Some food is perishable, and time is of the essence. There's a food bank in my area. I know that food banks must receive the food as quickly as possible.

When will we have the details of this program, Minister Bibeau?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

The program criteria will be announced in the next few days. However, we've already started working with representatives of the most affected sectors—meat, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood. The list will remain open based on surpluses, but also based on the absorptive capacity of the food banks and the groups that can receive the surpluses. The format in which they can receive the food must also be considered. For example, the challenges related to packaging and transportation must also be taken into account. Lastly, all this must be coordinated.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

You still haven't given me a date, Minister Bibeau.

The situation is urgent for producers, but also for food banks, which are ready to receive the surpluses. As a result of everything that we've experienced since the start of the pandemic, food banks are receiving many more requests. In addition, the entire distribution sector has greatly reduced the quantities distributed to the food banks.

Both sides are anxiously awaiting the announcements, which must be made very quickly. The announcement was made over a month ago, and the people on the ground need concrete details quickly.

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

I can assure you that we'll announce the criteria within the next few days. I'd like to point out that preliminary work has already been done together with the various groups.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

I'll address another topic, which is the 700 jobs announced as part of the $9.2 million assistance program. It's difficult to find the details of these jobs in the budget review.

Producers have asked me about this matter. They've submitted applications, but they haven't received any responses. It's already mid-June. These people are waiting for responses from the government before hiring the staff that they need. A $9 million program and 700 jobs were announced, but there are no details.

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

The details of the program have already been announced and posted on the website. We've already received several hundred applications, which will be processed one at a time.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

I understand, Minister Bibeau, but—

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

We can confirm the details as they're worked out over the coming weeks. You don't see the details in the budget because this program comes under the budget of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. Part of the program is also run by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Minister Bibeau, you would agree that these jobs must be created by mid-June so that both young and not-so-young people can apply.

As is the case for me, your constituency is located in a rural area. You know that work in the fields is being done now. If we wait three weeks, unfortunately we'll lose those weeks.

Can you speed things up, Minister Bibeau?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

I can assure you that we're doing everything possible to speed things up. Remember that expenses are retroactive to the start of the fiscal year.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

I know, but the work in the fields must be done now, Minister Bibeau.

In terms of research budgets, which grant or contribution will be transferred? For the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, we're talking about a $20 million budget. Of that amount, $16 million was transferred to the operating budget.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Unfortunately, Mr. Lehoux, we're out of time. I must be strict because we're already behind schedule.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Okay, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Pat Finnigan]

Mr. Louis, you have the floor for five minutes.

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister Bibeau.

Before I get to the minister, I want to also thank the interpreters for their patience and let everybody know it's important for them to protect their hearing; that's their life. As a former musician, I understand that bad sound can make all the difference. So be careful out there.

Minister Bibeau, thanks again for being here. I want to start with temporary foreign workers. Temporary foreign workers are important in rural Canada. In my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, there are many business operators and farmers who rely on temporary foreign workers. With COVID-19 and the quarantine, I know there are specific health guidelines that require quarantine for 14 days and that there are costs associated with this. Minister, can you tell me about the investments our government has made to help farmers and business operators address these challenges?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Louis. I understand that this is an issue that is very important for you and your riding of Kitchener—Conestoga.

Yes, the temporary foreign workers are essential workers in the agri-world, in our farms and in our processing facilities. To help the producers put in place the right measures to protect the workers during their 14-day isolation period, they can get $1,500 per worker.