Agriculture Committee on Jan. 27th, 2026

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Sorry about that.

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC]

I also move:

—that the committee invite the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for one hour, on February 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by one hour with Justine Hendricks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farm Credit Canada.

We would send any recommendations that the committee may have back to the finance committee.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Go ahead, Mr. Epp.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Yes, we would absolutely support this.

FCC is something that I think a number of us have dealt with most of our lives. It was a lender of last resort, and it became a preferred lender in the agriculture sector. However, it's been a while since this committee has looked at that, so while I absolutely support it, I would suggest that we have two meetings. We could actually also have a second meeting where we invite stakeholders in for their comments and for their experiences with FCC, because we want to keep that a vital organization for the ag sector.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

We're inviting them to speak specifically on the budget item, not necessarily about their mandate. Am I correct to assume that? You're asking us to reflect on Bill C-15, specifically that provision within it, clause 223, and also to talk about the organization itself.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

As it relates obviously to the budget....

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

I would assume that those are really two separate types of meetings. Is that right?

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC]

May I take this question? We haven't met yet in subcommittee, but I think it would be good to meet in order to look at all of our meetings. As you know, we have a very important study on the upcoming partnership between the federal and provincial, and the conversation has already been started with stakeholders from the government perspective, but I really think this committee has to make some recommendations. The discussion is unfolding in 2026, and we have other very important studies.

That said, this is a big study. You could invite so many people, because it's to try to get a vision: Here's where our strategic assets are in agriculture, food security, autonomy....

If we wanted to start that study, I'm sure that we would be able to invite and have a discussion on basically every matter we want to discuss, but I would encourage this committee to think more strategically for the next few meetings we have, because June will come sooner rather than later.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

I also wanted to say that the letter we received, which everyone has a copy of, was sent by the finance committee, and there's a pretty specific parameter around the study, which is the clause within Bill C-15. I think they want our advice on that specific thing. I'll just remind everyone that the parameters came from this request.

It's over to you, Mr. Epp.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Again, I certainly think the subcommittee meeting would be about where this committee's priorities are. You're right that there are a number facing this committee that can be thrashed out if there's an opportunity. I know there is interest.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Are we going back to the original motion, then, for one meeting with the finance minister?

Perfect.

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC]

Can I make just a small addition?

With respect to the motion that Mr. Bragdon just mentioned, again, science is a big topic for the new partnership. We started engaging with stakeholders, and that is a topic that came forward. Instead of having just four meetings on the specific centres, maybe we could expand it to discuss the strategic vision the Government of Canada should have with respect to science in agriculture.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Go ahead, Mr. Bonk.

[Steven Bonk, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

As we know, there have already been layoff notices sent to some of these research stations. It is very time-sensitive that we talk about this. I'm fine with your idea of having a broader discussion on science, but with the caveat that we discuss what's happening with these research stations as soon as we can.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Folks, all of this is important, but we need to focus on the specific motion that's been laid in front of us. We have a few items that we need to discuss, and I know we're running out of time, so can we just stick to the motion?

Is there any more discussion on the motion that MP Chatel has moved?

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

I'm just going to make one other point. It's that the motion and the specific direction from the finance committee do address the FCC reporting requirements, which do go towards transparency, which is what we are hearing from stakeholders. Hence the reason I put that forward.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

If it's clause 223, you said it's specifically around the reporting.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

It's the reporting and the transparency of the agency. That's where I think we're getting to and what we're hearing. I guess the amendment I would like to propose is simply that while we're in favour of the motion, we could make that two meetings and also have the stakeholders be a part of that, as it feeds into the budget reporting process identified by the letter from the chair of the finance committee.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Have you seen clause 223? Do you have it in front of you? I just want to make sure that it fits into what they've been asking for, if you don't mind.

Is there anything about...?

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

There are the words “review” and “operation of this Act”.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Yes.

How does that relate specifically to Farm Credit Canada and going over their mandate?

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

It relates to the operations of the agency as part of the federal government and their service to the clientele. That is exactly what we're after.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

Go ahead, MP Chatel.

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC]

I propose we deal with this motion in one day. We'll meet with the minister responsible for Farm Credit Canada, or FCC. If we want to do something else, we can look at the schedule until June and agree on the committee's priorities. If it's to deal with FCC, then that's what we'll do. We'll reinvite the witnesses and invite stakeholders. We have a lot of meaningful work to do, and I can already see the schedule starting to crumble.

So let's deal with this motion in one day, with the minister responsible for FCC. Then let's all sit down and look at the committee's schedule and priorities.

[The Chair, Liberal, Michael Coteau]

We have an amendment to the original motion on the floor. Is there any more discussion on that amendment?

Okay, I'm going to ask for a vote.

(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])

We'll go back to the main motion. Is there any discussion?

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

We'll go to the next item.

Go ahead, Mr. Bonk.