Evidence of meeting #21 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was lawrence.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Is that on my side there? I'm sorry.
Liberal
Conservative
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
I'll just flip to the definition. Eligible farming activities include the operation of eligible farming machinery on a farm for the purposes of farming; the operation of eligible farming machinery for the purposes of going from a location at a farm to another location at a farm; or a prescribed activity.
Liberal
Neil Ellis Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Thank you for that.
Are you aware that your private member's bill does not include grain drying and barn heating under the definition of eligible farming activities?
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
The definition of farming is not exhaustive, and it actually doesn't currently include the planting of crops.
If we just wanted to go by the exhaustive list, there would be nothing covered by this exemption, and clearly that's not the case.
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
No. My answer is what my answer is.
Liberal
Neil Ellis Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
In the chamber you have indicated that you believe eligible farming machinery includes the equipment used for grain drying. Are you aware of paragraph (f) in the same section of the legislation, which states that eligible farming machinery does not include “property that is used for the purpose of providing heating or cooling in a barn or similar structure”?
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
That's correct, but that does not, of course, include grain drying.
Liberal
Neil Ellis Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Did you consult with any legislative experts when drafting your private member's bill?
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Yes. The House of Commons provides drafting experts, and they did concur. Actually, they drafted it.
Liberal
Neil Ellis Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Are you aware of any options to improve the energy efficiency or switch fuels for grain drying?
Conservative
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
I am aware that there are some in the workplace, but my understanding in talking to numerous stakeholders from coast to coast is there is not currently one that is financially viable.
Liberal
Bloc
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to begin by thanking Mr. Lawrence for the concern and interest in the agricultural community. Whatever happens to the bill, we appreciate his intent to take care of the people who feed us.
Mr. Lawrence, in talking with the last speaker, you raised some concerns and I want to make sure I understand them.
If passed, the bill would exempt propane used for grain drying. Is that correct?
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan
It seems you're having some difficulty, Mr. Lawrence, with your connectivity.
Did you hear the question, Mr. Lawrence?
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Pat Finnigan
You're breaking up also. The voice is breaking up.
Madam Clerk, do you want to do a sound check? Are you getting Mr. Lawrence clearly?
Mr. Lawrence, you did not hear the question. Is that right?
Conservative